Newcastle feel PL rivals are trying to 'hold them to ransom'

Newcastle United will wait until October to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new director of football, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.

The Magpies joined football’s financial elite following the arrival of their new owners last year and have already began making several significant changes both on and off the pitch.

Ashworth was previously the Football Association’s technical director and is credited with developing the so-called “England DNA”, overseeing several successes stories before departing in 2018.

He then enhanced his reputation after joining Brighton, bringing in the likes of Leandro Trossard, Marc Cucurella and Tariq Lamptey to significantly aid the progression of Graham Potter’s side.

Newcastle were reportedly given permission to speak to Ashworth back in December after identifying him as their primary target to lead the club’s recruitment, and he resigned from his role as technical director in February.

However, the Daily Mail revealed that the 51-year-old could be made to wait until November before taking up his new position at St. James’ Park.

It’s claimed that Ashworth has since been placed on gardening leave while negotiations over his release continue between the two Premier League clubs.

Brighton are believed to be demanding £5m to release Ashworth from his gardening leave, a fee that Newcastle are unwilling to match.

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And Downie believes they will wait rather than being held to ‘ransom’, although he informed GiveMeSport that his sources have claimed October is the earliest Ashworth can start.  

In an exclusive interview with GMS, he said: “My information is it’s October, but let’s not split hairs.

“Yeah, I think they