Newcastle United have confirmed that sporting director Dan Ashworth has “commenced a period of gardening leave”.
Ashworth is favourite to be appointed as the new director of sports at Manchester United after having been strongly linked with the position after Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a stake in the club.
Newcastle have confirmed that Ashworth have been put on gardening leave.
Darren Eales, Newcastle United CEO, said: “We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn’t stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.
“We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future.”
Reports have suggested that Newcastle are looking for a significant compensation for Ashworth if they are to allow their sporting director to leave before the end of his contract.
