Manchester United set for immediate transfer window boost after Dan Ashworth breakthrough

Manchester United are set to have sporting director Dan Ashworth in place for this transfer window after a breakthrough in talks with Newcastle.

The two clubs have come to an agreement over compensation after an acrimonious four months of talks, avoiding the need for an arbitration hearing to settle the matter. It is expected Ashworth could begin work at Old Trafford immediately.

Ashworth was placed on gardening leave in February after United made an approach to take him from Newcastle, who initially demanded £20m in compensation, a figure United labelled as unrealistic for a sporting director.

When that figure was put to Sir Jim Ratcliffe in February, after his £1.25bn investment into United had been confirmed, he said: "It's a bit silly, personally. I won't get dragged into that. 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."

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The breakthrough in talks between the clubs means Ashworth is now free to take up post at United, where he will lead the football department under Ineos. That means the 53-year-old will now be in charge of recruitment during this transfer window, taking over from technical director Jason Wilcox.

Ashworth will sit at the top of the new football structure being implemented by Ineos, with Wilcox reporting into him. Ashworth will report to chief executive Omar Berrada when he starts work at the club on July 13. Sir Dave Brailsford, head of sport for Ineos, is continuing to take a hands-on role at the club as well as he reviews the football operations.

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