Newcastle boss Eddie Howe fires warning to Man Utd over deal for Dan Ashworth

23 February 2024 , 11:02

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Eddie Howe insists it's business as usual at Newcastle after Dan Ashworth's exit (Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)

Eddie Howe has warned Manchester United that Newcastle will strike a compensation deal that suits them before releasing Dan Ashworth.

The Toon Sporting Director was put on gardening leave this week after the Old Trafford giants made an official move. Newcastle are demanding up to £20m in compensation for losing Ashworth just 20 months into his job on Tyneside, or serve up to two years on gardening leave.

New part owner Jim Ratcliffe said it was “silly” and “absurd” that Ashworth could be in contractual limbo between jobs for so long. Howe has spoken to Ashworth this week and says they remain on good terms.

Asked about Ratcliffe’s comments and Newcastle’s battle for cash from Man United, Howe said: “In these situations it’s about Newcastle from our perspective. Events this week have given us certainty, and we can look to the future.

"We need to reflect and move forward stronger than before. That has to be our aim. I can’t respond to (Ratcliffe’s comments). I am not involved in discussions so I will stay away.

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"It is for other people to make those decisions, I’m not involved in that in any way, shape or form. I’m preparing the team to play Arsenal.”

Howe will give his input into finding Ashworth’s successor, but Newcastle are not in a rush and could go into the summer with Howe and his scouting team, and Amanda Staveley, calling the shots. Howe says the departure has not been a disruption ahead of the Arsenal game adding: "The day to day running not at all. It has happened away from the players and training ground so it has been a normal week, business as usual.

“The club will sit down and analyse and find the right balance. I have my opinions and I will express those at the right time and we have to make good decisions and run effectively as a club.”

Manchester United are locked in negotiations with Newcastle over a deal for Ashworth (PA)

Howe said Chelsea left back Lewis Hall is getting closer to triggering a £30m permanent transfer. Hall, 18, appears to be third choice left back, meaning Newcastle are about to splurge a huge chunk of cash on a young reserve.

Asked about the wisdom of splashing so much cash on a teenager in the summer, Howe replied: “He is near the first team. I think the broader look is that every transfer we make is so important. We don’t have an endless amount of money to spend and financial fair play will restrict us not just now but in the future.

“So every decision we make we have to try and get right. And you are never going to do that in the transfer market. There will always be mistakes. So I am not really speaking about Lewis here, I am speaking generally about every transfer we bring in.”

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Simon Bird