The 52-year-old informed the Magpies on Sunday that he wishes to join Manchester United as the club’s first ever sporting director.
However, the Red Devils are yet to make an official approach, which has angered Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side responded immediately by placing Ashworth on gardening leave and telling United that they must pay a reported compensation package of around £20m to reduce his notice period, which is believed to be around 20 months.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s side consider that fee to be excessive but it’s clear that Newcastle are unhappy with how events have played out.
According to the Times, Newcastle have blocked Ashworth from accessing the club’s internal programmes, which means he can no longer view the club’s database or scouting reports.
Newcastle are concerned that Ashworth will reveal the club’s secrets to United once he completes a move to Old Trafford.
It’s a fear that Eddie Howe alluded to last Friday.
‘He [Dan] is in a position of power, with a lot of intelligence and information [on transfers],’ the Newcastle head coach said.
‘That’s why it’s a slightly unusual situation. The concerns are relevant. At some stage there has to be a line drawn and things have to move forward.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Erik ten Hag admits Luke Shaw injury ‘doesn’t look great’
MORE : How much Manchester United must pay for Dan Ashworth as he asks to leave Newcastle
MORE : Gary Neville hopes ‘madness’ and ‘tosh’ at Manchester United is coming to an end
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
