Former Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth could reportedly be set for a return to the Premier League.
Ashworth left his role at St James’ Park last year after being placed on gardening leave by the Magpies. The 53-year-old went on to join Manchester United as their sporting director, after a compensation package was agreed with Newcastle.
It was announced in December that Ashworth had left his role at Old Trafford by “mutual consent”, having spent less than six months at the Red Devils, which he officially started on July 1. Ashworth helped oversee the last summer transfer window for the Red Devils, but would leave the club before the New Year with compensation costing Man United more than £4million, as revealed by their financial accounts published earlier this month.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have identified Ashworth as a potential candidate for their sporting director position. The Gunners are looking for a successor for Edu Gaspar, who left his role at the Emirates Stadium in November.
Ashworth isn’t the only name being considered by Arsenal for the vacant position. The article goes on to say that Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro are also in the frame, while interim sporting director Jason Ayto is also in the running.
News emerged only in the last few days that Ashworth was in line for a new role, his first since leaving Man United and second since his exit from Newcastle. It was reported that Ashworth had linked up with Warwickshire County Cricket Club to work on a consultancy basis as a freelancer.
It remains to be seen if the former Magpies’ sporting director will take up a similar role at Arsenal. The report only mentions that “discussions” or “initial talks” have taken place around Ashworth and the other aforementioned candidates, and no timeframe has been given for when an appointment can be expected.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dan-ashworth-considered-new-premier-31097069
