The Dan Ashworth saga between Newcastle United and Manchester United could continue for a few more months at the very least.
The 52-year-old is among the most highly-rated sporting directors in Europe. He has been doing an amazing job, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants him at Manchester United. Newcastle, however, aren't going to make it easy for the Red Devils.
BBC Sport reported yesterday that the Red Devils have made an official approach to appoint the 52-year-old, but the Magpies are standing firm on their demands.
It has been claimed that Newcastle feel they are 'within their rights to ask Manchester United for a fee well in excess of PS10 million.'
David Ornstein has now shared the latest on the situation, and he has claimed that it's not just money Newcastle are concerned about - the Magpies don't want Ashworth to be involved in any of Manchester United's plans for the summer.
The journalist said on BBC's Monday Night Club: "The conversations I've had today suggest Newcastle are most sensitive about this coming summer window.
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"If they can block off Dan Ashworth from working for Man United and communicating with them during that period then beyond that perhaps things will be okay. The two points I have garnered are that they want the money to be right and they don't want him working for Man United in this summer window.
"Beyond that, he wouldn't be privy to the finer details of the plans, even though he has spoken in the past about how they work on multiple windows in advance so he'll have an incline but then everyone in this industry knows what everybody else is doing."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will not be too pleased with Newcastle for playing hardball, but the Magpies are right to do what they're doing.
Money is one factor, but what's more important is that Ashworth already knows all the plans Newcastle have for the summer transfer window.
Manchester United could potentially have a big advantage if they get that information, which is why Newcastle don't want him to be involved until the summer window shuts in September.
You can't blame them for that stance, can you?