Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held face-to-face talks with the Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley in a bid to reach agreement on Dan Ashworth's move to Manchester United, according to reports.

The Red Devils have maintained their interest in the Magpies' sporting director since Ineos' 27.7 per cent stake investment in the club was completed in February. The MEN reported in December that Brailsford had identified Ashworth as his preferred pick to head up the new football structure at the club.

Since United's interest in the former Brighton technical director, it has emerged that Ashworth has been placed on 18 months of gardening leave unless a compensation package, believed to be worth around PS20 million, is met. Ratcliffe, who assumed control of the club's football operations, has previously described the situation as "completely stupid".

In a report published by The Times, it has been claimed that Ashworth has sought to resolve the situation by holding talks directly with Staveley, who has played an integral part at St. James' Park since her arrival in England in 2021.

It is claimed that the meeting took place within the past week and negotiations are continuing in a bid to agree a deal for the former director of elite development at the FA as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues his overhaul at Old Trafford.

The Manchester Evening News understands United are baffled by Newcastle's posturing over the expected departure of Ashworth. The Times report adds that John Murtough's departure as football director is an indication that progress is being made in the pursuit of Ashworth, thanks to 'the direct intervention of Ratcliffe'.

He has made no secret of his admiration for 53-year-old Ashworth. Speaking in February, he said: "I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world, I've no doubt.

"He's a very capable person. He's interested in the Manchester United job because it's probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.

"We've obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. But what I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for 1 years. That's completely stupid."

Having held roles with Peterborough United, Cambridge United and West Bromwich Albion, he enjoyed his most successful spells with the Seagulls and was key to a number of exceptional signings at the AMEX Stadium before moving to the North East.

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