Newcastle United headlines: Dan Ashworth confirmed, Ekitke update and Trippier's transfer advice

Here are the Newcastle United evening headlines on Monday, May 30.

Newcastle confirmed the arrival of Dan Ashworth as the club's new sporting director earlier this evening. The statement regarding his appointment revealed that the Magpies came to an agreement with Brighton over a compensation package for, what is likely to be, the most important signing of the summer at St James' Park.

It is a move that won't come as a particular surprise to the Toon Army who were aware that the club have been in pursuit of the 51-year-old for a few months since he announced he would be leaving Brighton. Formerly the director of elite development at the FA, Ashworth comes with great pedigree following the strong work he has done at the Amex Stadium in the three years he spent there.

Now that his arrival has been agreed and confirmed, attention will quickly turn to summer transfer business. United will be keen to get their business started as soon as possible with some of their Premier League rivals already announcing new signings before the transfer window has even opened.

'Best signing we'll make' - Newcastle United fans all say same thing after key appointment

Read more about his arrival here.

Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has confirmed Hugo Ekitke will leave the club this summer. Newcastle failed in a January deadline-day attempt to lure the 19-year-old to Tyneside - despite agreeing a £25million deal.

An impressive breakout season in Ligue 1 saw Ekitke net 10 goals as Reims finished 12th and the French outfit are ready to cash in. Caillot said: "The amount should be more than €20million. Afterwards, you have to know how to be reasonable."

West Ham are also reportedly monitoring the young striker’s situation.

Kieran