The Telegraph have revealed that Darren Eales is now leading talks over the compensation package Manchester United must pay to secure Dan Ashworth before his gardening leave runs out at the end of 2025.
The club are ‘willing to negotiate’ after initially demanding £20m to reduce the length of his paid leave, although it’s believed Toon chiefs are ‘extremely reluctant’ to let the 52-year-old start work at Old Trafford before the summer.
It’s thought talks between Newcastle and Man Utd have been amicable, despite Jim Ratcliffe’s inflammatory comments last month. A deal that allows him to start work in Manchester before the end of the year is on the cards if the Red Devils agree to pay ‘suitable compensation’, with Eales determined to get the best deal possible for Newcastle.
The Telegraph reveal that Monaco’s Paul Mitchell is now our leading target to replace Ashworth and are eager to bring in a replacement soon ahead of a massive summer transfer window for the club.
Luke Edwards has also issued an update on Joelinton’s future, stating that ‘some progress’ has been made on a potential new contract.
He reports that both parties have expressed a desire to agree terms, with the Brazilian approaching the final 12 months of his contract on Tyneside.
To this point, it seems his salary demands have been deemed excessive – some report he’s hoping to be on par with our top earners – and Newcastle are prepared to set a deadline for talks to stop the situation from dragging on into the summer.
Interestingly, it’s claimed a release could be added into any new deal. But, if there’s no progress between now and June, he’s likely to be put up for sale. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
