Dan Ashworth placed on garden leave by Newcastle amid Man Utd interest

Sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on garden leave by Newcastle (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Newcastle have placed sporting director Dan Ashworth on garden leave as Manchester United prepare to formalise their efforts to take him to Old Trafford.

The PA news agency understands the 52-year-old has stepped away from his duties at St James’ Park having told the ownership group that he wants to accept the Red Devils’ overtures.