Why Newcastle could force Dan Ashworth into nightmare Manchester United start date

Dan Ashworth has been told that the inside information he has on Newcastle's upcoming summer transfer window plans could force the Magpies into preventing his move to Manchester United from going through until the new season.

That is according to Christian Purslow, ex-CEO of Aston Villa, who thinks it wouldn't make sense for Newcastle to let him start at United this summer even if an agreement over a fee can be reached. Ashworth was put on gardening leave last week after he told Newcastle he wanted to exit the club after less than two years at St James' Park.

The Magpies had hoped he would stay longer. Eddie Howe has said before that Ashworth has a lot of power and knowledge.

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Therefore it wasn't entirely surprising to see that Newcastle want up to £20m to end his notice period early. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, part-owner of United, claimed he was baffled by the Magpies' stance last week. He said it was ridiculous to think Ashworth might be left out for nearly two years if United doesn't pay.

However, Ratcliffe also admitted that the 'organisation' at United was 'not good' - manager Erik ten Hag currently reports directly to a CEO - and the billionaire will need Ashworth sooner rather than later to realise his vision of closing the gap to the top in just two or three seasons. So could the two clubs strike a deal?

"I certainly think it's going to cost Manchester United if they want to get Dan early because A. That's what the contract allows for and B. Newcastle, I'm sure, if we believe what Eddie has said, are in the market for profit and they need to pay for a