Manchester United are currently in advanced talks with Newcastle United over the potential signing of their former sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave after deciding to step down from his position and the Magpies are currently reluctant to let him go without a compensation fee.
The Tyneside outfit are said to be eyeing a staggering £20 million. United will be hoping to reach a middle ground. Otherwise, Ashworth won’t be able to take up his position until 2026.
While the negotiations continue, Inter Live have provided a surprise update by stating Ashworth has his sights on bringing Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Inter’s Nicolo Barella to Old Trafford.
The 52-year-old had plans to sign the Serie A duo for the Magpies and his desire could be revived at United. It is reported that the duo could cost a combined fee of around €140m (£120m).
Bremer could be prised away from Juventus for €60m while a fee of €80m could be sufficient to land Barella. Ashworth thinks the pair would be of ‘absolute value’ to manager Erik ten Hag.
Bremer and Barella would be quality acquisitions for United
Bremer has been one of Serie’s A best-performing centre-backs this term. He has a passing accuracy of 87 per cent with an average of five duels and 1.6 tackles won per game.
The former Torino man has also made four clearances and 5.2 ball recoveries per outing. He is a physically strong centre-back and would suit the current demands of the manager.
Bremer only signed a new deal in December last year, but the Bianconeri may have to sanction a big-money exit in the summer in order to balance their financial books.
The same could be the case with the Nerazzurri, who are known for permitting high-profile exits in every summer. Andre Onana made the switch to United last time around.
Barella was the subject of interest from the Magpies last summer, but a deal did not materialise.
He could be on United’s radar if Ashworth were to join ahead of the transfer window. The Italian has a tireless work rate. He has impressed with his high pressing from central midfield.
In the current season, he has registered 197 progressive passes which ranks him second among all players in Serie A. He would be a handy competitor to Mason Mount next term.
Barella has seven goal contributions so far this season. He had 19 & 17 goal involvements in the last two campaigns. We won’t be surprised if United were to move for his services.
As of now, United are likely to wait until the summer to make any transfer decisions. They will be hoping to get Ashworth onboard by then to negotiating some high-profile deals.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Sofascore.com & FBref.com
