Duncan Castles has been speaking on The Transfer Window podcast about Newcastle United’s interest in Dan Ashworth and the contract being offered to him amid their search for a director of football.
Newcastle are still on the hunt for Lee Charnley’s successor, who left following the takeover. Despite links to the likes of Michael Emenalo and Luis Campos, the new owners have seemingly settled on a temporary appointment in the form of Nick Hammond as a transfer consultant.
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With now only two games until the January transfer window opens up, it is unlikely that a permanent appointment will be made in time to make an impact on any mid-season incomings, but The Athletic has reported that Ashworth has been given permission by Brighton to speak to Newcastle over a role at the club, which would seemingly increase his base salary quite significantly.
Castles has revealed how much Newcastle are actually offering Ashworth.
“I can see why Nolan Partners have gone there [Dan Ashworth] it’s very much the obvious lead candidate if you’re a city recruitment company, and he has a substantial offer from Newcastle United.
“My information is it’s a £2 million annual salary as a basic, with substantial bonuses on top; that is more than double what he’s paid at Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Brighton have given Ashworth permission to speak to Newcastle United. My understanding is that they have offered Ashworth an improved deal, but the money they are able to offer him is not at the same level as Newcastle United have offered for obvious reasons.”
TIF Thoughts on Ashworth potentially joining Newcastle…
It makes a lot of sense for Ashworth to be a new leading candidate to land a top job at Newcastle if he has previously worked closely with Nolan Partners, who have been hired by Newcastle to find a director of football, as they can ill afford to get this appointment or any recommendation to PIF wrong.
Having a competent director of football is likely to be crucial for the Magpies as they can help lead the club in their desired direction that will hopefully see players want to come and play for them and thus, helping them move up the league table and away from regular relegation battles.
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