Newcastle United have confirmed that sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave.
Ashworth has been coveted by Manchester United following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS taking control of footballing operations of the club.
The Red Devils have been keen to bring in Ashworth to help revitalise the club with Newcastle reluctant to let the director go.
Now the Magpies have confirmed that Ashworth is set to leave Newcastle United and has now been put on gardening leave.
"We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave," the club's CEO Darren Eales said in a statement. "However our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.
"We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."
Newcastle United can announce that Dan Ashworth has commenced a period of gardening leave.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 19, 2024