Manchester United are lining up a move for Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth ahead of their prospective squad overhaul during the summer transfer window.
Manchester United Eye Ashworth Ahead Of Squad Overhaul
Insiders predict up to five significant new signings could arrive if things go to plan this year, with Manchester United plotting to upgrade players all over the pitch.
It is an exciting time for Red Devils fans, who have had to endure watching their side going more than a decade without winning the Premier League title.
Ashworth, currently working at Newcastle United, has been made United’s prime target as sporting director as he has long been admired by Dave Brailsford – the man leading the search.
INEOS have been approved for a 25 per cent stake in United, with the deal expected to be completed in the next month, and Ashworth’s potential appointment is in line with a focus on thrusting United back towards their glory days.
He has been pivotal in Newcastle’s rise since their Saudi Arabian takeover. As the Magpies were, Manchester United are about to embark on a new journey of their own and need a figure like Ashworth to improve their success rate when it comes to player recruitment.
In January we saw a focus on ironing out the squad in terms of outgoings, and that process is set to continue with big decisions looming over the futures of the likes of Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Antony.
Plenty Of Incomings Expected At Old Trafford
But the next window will be remembered for incomings if things go well, with United aiming to secure two defenders, two midfielders and a new forward.
It is early days, but we have reported how Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta is on United’s list of defensive transfer targets, alongside Benfica’s Antonio Silva, Jean-Claire Todibo of Nice, Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Everton’s Jarrad Brathwaite.
In midfield there is much to consider, but Everton’s Amadou Onana and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi are among the early targets, while opportunities to sign Premier League talents such as Jacob Ramsey might also be considered.
In attack there is genuine interest in Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise – but that interest remains fluid and other wide attackers are also being explored.
Targets are expected to be updated and new names will emerge as the restructuring of the club’s hierarchy continues, but at a time when many clubs are sweating over Profit and Sustainability Regulations in the Premier League, United’s continued global success in terms of revenue as well as the plan to offload some high-earning talent should give them scope to spend.
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