Soccer-Newcastle put Sporting Director Ashworth on gardening leave

Newcastle United have placed Sporting Director Dan Ashworth on gardening leave after he decided to step down from his position, the Premier League club said on Monday.

The highly-rated 52-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United since British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25% stake in the Old Trafford club. British media reported later on Monday that United have made an official approach for Ashworth, who joined Newcastle in 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion where he was technical director.

"We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately," Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said in a statement. "We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."

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