'Start of a journey', Newcastle United in high level talks to begin exciting chapter in club's history

Newcastle United remain in high level negotiations to bring in Dan Ashworth as technical director from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The former Seagulls supremo had already agreed to join United but is now on a period of gardening leave as Brighton play hardball over time of his release.

Chronicle Live understands that compensation is also a big factor Brighton freeing him from his contract, with the terms of his agreement currently preventing him taking up his new role.

But Newcastle ideally want him to spearhead what is expected to be a major recruitment drive with scouts currently looking at stars in every position on the field ahead of next season.

Ashworth will then get to work on improving the club's work in the transfer window, looking into the Academy, the medical department and sports science, and the player loan department currently headed by Shola Ameobi.

But Ashworth's arrival - which some hope will in good time for the end of the current season so that the recruitment drive can begin - isn't set to be the only change at St James' Park.

Indeed this week an advertisement for a legal counsel, to look after commercial activity, has caught the eye of fans.

In it reads: "We're at the start of a journey.

"Newcastle United's new owners have one ambition - to be the best football club in the world.

"To fulfil this ambition the club aims to create a business that is 'best in class' in all respects."

The aims of the club tally with exactly what Amanda Staveley said on the day she was appointed co-owner of the Magpies.

Back then she said: "We have thought about sporting directors and Directors of Football but we need to sit down with our board and look at what we have today.

"You can bring in the best Sporting Director in