Manchester United handed Dan Ashworth update as Newcastle sporting director 'takes action'

Newcastle United's sporting director Dan Ashworth is reportedly set to take his employer to arbitration to push through a move to Manchester United.

Ashworth has been on gardening leave since February after he informed the North East club that he wished to join Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS at Old Trafford. Now, The Athletic reports that Ashworth has moved to try and 'help facilitate' his switch to United.

The decision to go to an arbitrator could work either for or against Ashworth. The process of arbitration sees both sides put their case forward to an independent adjudicator who will decide who is in the right and who is in the wrong. Crucially, this avoids both parties being drawn into an expensive court battle.

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It is understood Newcastle want United to pay £20m to release Ashworth out of his contract early. However, Ratcliffe is reluctant to pay that price.

When asked about Ashworth in February, Ratcliffe was complimentary of the former Brighton and Hove Albion director. "I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world, I’ve no doubt.

"He’s a very capable person. He’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.

"We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan.

"But what I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years. That’s completely stupid."

Once Ashworth does join United, he will take up a role similar to that which he held at St James' Park. He shall be aided