Newcastle United make first and most important signing of the summer as Dan Ashworth arrives

Newcastle United have confirmed the arrival of Dan Ashworth after finally agreeing compensation with Brighton & Hove Albion. The former FA supremo left the South Coast club in February but United can now get down to work with Ashworth after weeks of waiting.

A United statement read: Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.

"The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs and are subject to Premier League approval. Newcastle United will issue further information following the relevant approval process."

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After leaving Brighton, Ashworth said earlier this year: "It was a really difficult decision. I thought about it for a long time and thought about it really seriously because I wasn’t looking for a job. I didn’t apply for the job and I have been really happy at Brighton. It’s a brilliant club, it’s really well run, there’s really good people to work with