Newcastle identify ‘marginal favourite’ to replace Man Utd-bound Ashworth with ‘reduced shortlist’

According to reports, Newcastle United have reduced their shortlist of potential candidates to replace Manchester United-bound Dan Ashworth.

Newcastle sporting director Ashworth has been with the Premier League club since 2022 as the former Brighton chief was identified as a top target by PIF following their takeover.

The 53-year-old is regarded as one of the leading sporting directors around at the moment and his spell at Newcastle is expected to be brief as Man Utd want him.

Ashworth has a close relationship with new Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS chief is keen to bring him to Old Trafford as part of his major overhaul.

One of Ratcliffe s priorities in recent months has been to improve Man Utd s recruitment model. Chief executive Omar…