Manchester United are very much in the market for Newcastle supremo Dan Ashworth.

The Magpies have put their sporting director on gardening leave immediately.

There is an approach from the Red Devils, which has been confirmed by investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The British billionaire, who has bought 27.7% of the club, told the BBC on Ashworth: "I think Dan Ashworth is a 10/10 sporting director - one of the best around.

“He would be very good for Manchester United. It is understandable that somebody like Dan would see the Manchester United job as a very interesting challenge at this stage of his career.

"Ultimately, you can't really criticise Dan for looking at maybe the most coveted job in football as a sporting director - particularly with the challenge at Manchester United.

“What doesn't make sense is for Dan Ashworth to be sat doing nothing for 18 months."