Dan Ashworth will have responsibility for rebuilding Manchester United's scouting department when he becomes the club's director of football, with Brighton's head of recruitment Sam Jewell identified as the leading candidate to head the new structure, sources told ESPN. .
United are in talks with Newcastle United in an effort to release Ashworth from his contract as sporting director at St James' Park and sources have said a quick resolution could allow the 52-year-old to move to Old Trafford in the next years. days, subject to a period of gardening leave before starting a new role in Manchester.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group, which will take over United's football operations once its 25% investment is finally confirmed by the New York Stock Exchange next week, wants Ashworth to transform the recruitment system at Old Trafford after conduct an audit of the club's recent transfer agreements.
Only Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have spent more than United on new players since 2018, but United have won just one trophy, the 2023 Carabao Cup, in that period.
Ashworth is credited with turning Brighton into one of the most successful clubs in the transfer market following his four-year spell at the club between 2018-2022 and was also a central figure in implementing changes to the English Association of Football that preceded the nation's significant improvement. in results in recent years.
While Ashworth's appointment is an important step by United, the club is also determined to strengthen all levels of the recruitment team and Jewell's success at Brighton has led to Ashworth favoring him as a potential appointment at Old Trafford.
Jewell, son of former Wigan and Bradford coach Paul Jewell, was recruited by Ashworth at Brighton in 2016 and has since been promoted to head of recruitment after starting as the club's head of U21 recruitment.
Jewell was a key figure in Brighton's moves for Alexis Mac Allister, Moisés Caicedo and Julio Enciso, identifying emerging talent in South America and signing them for low fees before, in the case of Mac Allister and Caicedo, offloading them for significant profits.
Sources have told ESPN that United are yet to make a formal move for Jewell, but Ashworth rates him highly and his success at Brighton has been noted by the club's INEOS team.
Newcastle, according to a source, are aware of Ashworth's desire to move to United but believe his contract situation leaves them well protected.
Once they receive an official approach, they will demand compensation before sanctioning a measure.
Newcastle would also expect Ashworth to spend a significant period of gardening leave, possibly up to 12 months, unless United made an additional payment to reduce it.
Sources have told ESPN that United are interested in Ashworth starting as soon as possible to have influence during the summer transfer window.
Newcastle, according to a source, believe they could receive a payment of up to £10m.
Reporting from ESPN's Rob Dawson contributed to this report.
