Manchester United are pursuing a deal for Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth to become the club’s sporting director.
The 52-year-old reportedly wants a move to Manchester but the Red Devils will have to convince the Tyneside club to let one of their best assets leave.
Ashworth has done an incredible job during his time at Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle, and it would be a major coup for United if they appoint him,
We look at ten of his best signings for the two English clubs.
Moises Caicedo
Brighton brought in Moises Caicedo for £4.5m in 2021 from Independiente del Valle. After his breakthrough 2022-23 season, the Ecuadorian was sold to Chelsea for a whopping £115m fee.
Kaoru Mitoma
Mitoma arrived at Brighton for just £2.5m in 2021 but has now developed into one the best wingers in the league. The 26-year-old is currently worth £50m, per Transfermarkt.
Alexis Mac Allister
Signing Alexis Mac Allister was another shrewd piece of business by Ashworth during his time at Brighton. Albion sealed a move for a bargain fee, but he was later sold to Liverpool for £35m last summer.
Leandro Trossard
The Seagulls signed another gem in Leandro Trossard from Genk in a deal worth around £15m. He remained a key member of the first team before moving to Arsenal in January last year.
Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 season after joining Brighton from Getafe. He was sold after a year to Chelsea for £60m but has failed to replicate his form with the club.
Alexander Isak
Newcastle spent a club record £60m fee to seal a move for Alexander Isak in 2022. The 24-year-old has struggled with injury issues, but he is undoubtedly one the best strikers in Europe when fit.
Anthony Gordon
Many fans were unconvinced when the Magpies spent an initial £40m fee to sign Anthony Gordon. But he has proved to be an excellent acquisition, registering seven goals and six assists in 23 appearances.
Nick Pope
Nick Pope has been a key member of Eddie Howe’s team since Newcastle signed him in 2022 for just £10m. The former Burnley goalkeeper has kept 26 clean sheets in 62 appearances.
Tino Livramento
Livramento is another player who cost Newcastle a premium last summer, but his displays prove he is worth every penny. The 21-year-old made a slow start but is now an important part of the first team.
Sven Botman
Sven Botman has been doing an impressive job in central defence for Newcastle this season. He arrived at St James’ Park for £32m in 2022 but has justified his price tag with his performances.
