Man Utd set to get their man! Dan Ashworth informs Newcastle of approach to become new sporting director at Old Trafford with quick turnaround expected

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that the Red Devils were confident of landing Ashworth as he wanted to accept their offer to take the role. Now, the 52-year-old has told Newcastle - where he has worked as sporting director for almost two years - of the offer he has received, The Athletic reports.

United will now have to enter official negotiations with Newcastle to work out a deal with their Premier League rivals. Ashworth, who spent two years at Brighton as technical director, is under contract at St. James' Park so United may have to pay a substantial fee in order to get their man. According to The Daily Mail, a deal is expected to be reached next week.

The recruitment of Ashworth would come as another significant development at United since late-December. The club announced on Christmas Eve that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group have purchased a 25 per cent stake and will take over footballing operations. The club then managed to lure Omar Berrada from Manchester City to take on the CEO role last month.

United and Newcastle will likely begin formal talks about a deal for Ashworth in the coming days. The Daily Mail claims that he may have to undergo a period of gardening leave before he can begin identifying new targets for Erik ten Hag's team - a similar case to what happened after he agreed to join Newcastle from Brighton.