Howe fears Ashworth will take Newcastle's transfer and club secrets to Man Utd

16 February 2024 , 10:35

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Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe have worked together for the last two years (Image: Getty Images)

Eddie Howe fears Dan Ashworth will take Newcastle’s transfer and club secrets to Manchester United.

The Newcastle head coach is concerned Ashworth holds “a lot of intelligence and information,” which he could take to Old Trafford. Ashworth has not told the club he is staying on Tyneside, fuelling suspicions that Man United are poaching him to be their new sporting director.

Howe has demanded that the limbo be sorted out quickly, with multi-million-pound deals being planned for the summer transfer window which Ashworth knows all about.

Asked, given the business sensitivities of his position, whether Ashworth should still be working in the Toon and planning to attend tomorrow’s game against Bournemouth, Howe said: “That is not a question I can answer, it is for someone above me. I think your concerns are relevant. I share your feelings.”

Asked if Ashworth knows Newcastle’s summer plans, Howe said: “Yes, and that’s why I say he’s in a position of power, with a lot of intelligence and information. That’s why it’s a slightly unusual situation. At some stage there has to be a line drawn and things have to move forward. It’s not my decision. I’m not in control of it.”

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Newcastle are now in a stand-off with Ashworth and the Red Devils. They want up to £10million compensation if they get an official approach. It is a surprise that Ashworth has not yet been put on gardening leave, and some at Newcastle want that to last until after the summer window.

Ashworth has only been working at Newcastle for 20 months. Howe says Newcastle will quickly overcome Ashworth leaving. But he added: “It is an unusual situation. Usually it is transfer speculation on players but yes we’d like a quick resolution.

Your turn! Would Dan Ashworth be a good appointment for Man Utd? Let us know your verdict in the comments section.

Dan Ashworth joined Newcastle in February 2022 (Newcastle United via Getty Images)

“It is a difficult one. When you are in that role you need longevity to see the fruits of your labour. The people who have done it best have had a period of stability. Change takes a while to get processes as you want to be. Dan has had a relatively short period here. Football moves on very quickly and I say that regarding manager positions, too.

“We will work in an efficient way and we have capable people here in all departments and we will carry on smoothly. There has to be a succession plan for everyone, players managers you name the position. There is a strategy from the board above who since they came have run the club very well.”

On the injury front for Newcastle, Callum Wilson is having an operation today on his injured pectoral muscle but Howe says he can “still have a big influence” this season. Alexander Isak is “very very close” to a return but Howe says “probably not this weekend.” And Joe Willock is close to being fit again.

Simon Bird