Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is hopeful that the future of sporting director Dan Ashworth will be resolved quickly amid reported interest from Manchester United.
The 52-year-old has built a reputation as one of the best football directors in the game and was a key figure behind England's success at youth level in 2017 when the Young Lions triumphed at both the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups.
After seven years working for the Football Association, Ashworth spent almost two years as a technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion, before moving to St James' Park in February 2022 to become the Magpies' sporting director.
Ashworth arrived at Newcastle shortly after the club's Saudi-backed takeover was completed, and he has played a key role in the club's recruitment decisions in recent transfer windows.
However, speculation over Ashworth's future has surfaced this week amid reports that Man United have identified the highly-rated chief as a leading candidate to become the club's new sporting director.
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Significant off-field changes are taking place at Old Trafford following the arrival of minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently has his 25% stake in the Red Devils approved by the Premier League.
Ashworth is said to have a long-standing relationship with INEOS head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, who is working closely with CEO Ratcliffe behind the scenes at Man United in recruiting the desired personnel at boardroom level.
Recent reports have suggested that Man United are planning to make a formal approach for Ashworth, although they will be required to pay a £10m compensation fee to lure him away from Newcastle.
Discussing the future of Ashworth at a press conference on Friday, Magpies boss Howe said: "It's been in the news a lot and usually that means something is going to happen. But we've had no contact.
"It's an unusual situation, usually there is transfer speculation on players. This is different. Whatever happens, we want a quick resolution.
"It's a difficult one, you need longevity in that role to see the fruits of your labour. It's a long term position. The people that have done it best in the Premier League have always had a period of stability. Change takes a long time at a football club to get the processes how you want them to be. Dan's had a short time here. But let's see what happens.
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"Football always moves on quickly. I'd say that regarding the manager position so Newcastle are a huge football club and will continue to work in an efficient way regardless of who is here. We've got some very capable people here in all departments. We'd carry on smoothly.
"There has to be a succession plan, players and managers, there is a strategy from above. They have run the football club very well."
Asked about Ashworth's knowledge of sensitive information regarding the club's transfer dealings and the prospect of joining a rival, Howe said: "I think your concerns are relevant. I don't know how much I can say on that but I share your feelings. It's better for everyone [to come to a conclusion quickly].
"The work never stops. It's a 365 day job, recruitment, it never sleeps. Dan is in a position of power and has a lot of intelligence and information that's why it's a slightly unusual situation."
Newcastle and Man United currently sit next to each other in the Premier League table, with five points separating the Red Devils in sixth from the Magpies in seventh after 24 matches.
Oliver Thomas
