Jim Ratcliffe holds fresh talks with Newcastle in bid to reach agreement over Dan Ashworth's move to Old Trafford

The standoff between the two Premier League clubs arose when Newcastle insisted on United agreeing to a compensation package reportedly valued at around £15 million for Ashworth. However, the Red Devils are not ready to shell out that hefty price tag and Ratcliffe has now reached out to Staveley to reach an agreement on the compensation package, according to The Times.

While both clubs have refrained from commenting on the ongoing negotiations, it is understood that the discussions have taken place in the past week, with efforts underway to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. There are indications of progress being made, notably with the announcement this week that John Murtough, Manchester United's football director, has stepped down. This development suggests that Ratcliffe's intervention may be yielding positive outcomes in resolving the impasse.

Ratcliffe has been vocal in his admiration for Ashworth, describing him as one of the top sporting directors globally and labelled Newcastle's decision to send him on an 18-month gardening leave as "completely stupid".

"Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world,” he told The Athletic back in February.

“I have no doubt he is a very capable person. He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world. It would be different at [Manchester] City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition. He needs to decide if he is going to make that jump.

"We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. But what I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one-and-a-half years. That’s completely stupid.”

While United have been striving to regain their former glory as a title contender since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the club's recent performance has left much to be desired. Currently languishing in sixth place in the Premier League table, United aims to return to the summit of English football. The potential acquisition of Ashworth, coupled with Ratcliffe's involvement, has instilled hope among fans that the club can once again compete at the highest level and challenge perennial rivals such as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.