Frustration for Man Utd as Red Devils hit £13m stumbling block in bid to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle

The Telegraph reports Newcastle want approximately £15 million ($18.6m), plus £5m ($6.2m) in add-ons, for Ashworth - who is currently on gardening leave after stepping down from his role at the Magpies in February. United, however, are reportedly proposing £2m ($2.5m) in compensation. For the time being, it is gridlock between the two teams.

United reportedly feel their approach for Ashworth is no different to the way Newcastle pursued the former Football Association technical director when he left Brighton in early 2022 - where the Magpies reportedly paid around the £2m ($2.5m) mark at the time. The report adds Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United's new minority owner, held talks with Newcastle director Amanda Staveley earlier this month but no progress has been made. Moreover, there is little expectation the 53-year-old will be signed before the summer and the Red Devils will not be "strong armed" over this deal.

United reportedly feel the fee that Newcastle want would be better spent on player transfers. Ashworth's gardening leave is due to expire at the end of 2025 but the Red Devils want to bring him in sooner than then.

While negotiations over Ashworth continue, United are next in Premier League action on Wednesday night against bottom of the table Sheffield United, while Newcastle travel to Crystal Palace on the same day.