HITC understands that recent talks between Manchester United and Newcastle have failed to see them reach agreement over Dan Ashworth.
HITC revealed earlier this month that Man Utd had accelerated talks over a deal for Ashworth and were confident of coming to agreement.
However, after engaging in fresh talks, sources have confirmed to HITC that Newcastle are refusing to budge on their near £20million demands to release Ashworth – who is currently on gardening leave after he confirmed his desire to move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd, who have Omar Berrada arriving as chief executive from Man City this summer, are determined to have Ashworth starting at the same time.
Last month, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe made clear his stance on Ashworth coming to United.
Ratcliffe determined
“I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world, I’ve no doubt,” Ratcliffe told the Manchester Evening News.
“He’s a very capable person. He’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.
“It would be different if you were the sporting director at Manchester City because you would just be maintaining a level, at Manchester United you’ve got quite a significant building job. I think he would be a very good addition to Manchester United but he needs to decide whether he’s going to make that jump.
“We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. Newcastle have been very, very successful, they’ve done really well since the new ownership, they play some good football and it’s transformed the club. I understand why they would be disappointed to lose Dan.
“But then you can’t equally criticise Dan. It is a transient industry. It’s not like my world of chemicals, nobody ever goes from DOW to INEOS, you stay where you are. Football is transient. But you would understand why Dan is interested. It’s the ultimate challenge for a sporting director so we’ll have to see how it unfolds.
“It’s a bit silly, personally. I won’t get dragged into that. 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.”
Newcastle working on targets
Newcastle themselves have chief scout Steve Nickson filling the recruitment void – but the club’s top brass are working on a new replacement with executive search consultancy firm Odgers Berndtson conducting initial talks.
HITC has already confirmed the interest in former Monaco man Paul Mitchell, Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz and ex-Roma director Thiago Pinto. It is also believed that former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana – now with Sporting Lisbon – has made the shortlist, along with Italian legend Paolo Maldini – who departed AC Milan last year.