Dan Ashworth could reportedly be forced to wait until 2026 to join Manchester United if Newcastle aren't paid 'significant compensaton'.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25 per cent purchase of United was officially approved by the Premier League and the FA last week.
The new co-owner is reportedly set to oversee the football side of things at Old Trafford with the Glazers taking a backseat.
And it seems as though Ratcliffe is not wasting any time in making major changes at United behind the scenes.
Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave
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The Red Devils have gone against the trend of hiring a sporting director previously, instead using Ed Woodward, Richard Arnold and John Murtough in makeshift roles.
That looks set to change soon with Ratcliffe eyeing up Ashworth as the man he wants to oversee the club's future plans.
According to reports, Ashworth has informed Newcastle of his desire to leave St James' Park for Old Trafford.
He's now said to have been placed on gardening leave, although any immediate move to Old Trafford doesn't appear likely.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle want £20m from their Premier League rivals in order to let Ashworth leave.
United don't appear willing to pay such a fee, leaving a move in limbo for the time being.
It's reported that Ashworth's period of gardening leave on his current contract would take him up to 2026.
Newcastle would have to continue paying him during that period if they were to deny him a move to Old Trafford.
But Ashworth's position at the helm of Newcastle is now seen as untenable with suggestions a deal will be brokered soon.
Dan Ashworth recently spoke of his commitment to Newcastle
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The 52-year-old's reported interest in joining United comes just a few months after he ruled out leaving Newcastle for Old Trafford.
Gary Neville had bumped into the Newcastle chief after his former side lost to the Magpies in the Carabao Cup and praised the work Ashworth had done at Newcastle.
But while thanking Neville for his praise, Ashworth downplayed any suggestions at the time that he was thinking of leaving Newcastle for United.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now been given Premier League and FA approval
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He said: "First of all, I literally saw Gary when walking into the directors' box and he was going down the tunnel. I shouted 'hello' and that was it.
"I didn't have a conversation with Gary. I know him and Phil (Neville) from their England days. He's written some very kind things and thank you Gary.
"But it’s the same situation as Eddie, I think. I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city, club and project.
"I'm thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge."
