Newcastle United are said to have blocked Dan Ashworth's access to their computer programs.

The Magpies are concerned about the club's sporting director having access to scouting reports.

Per The Times, Newcastle chiefs are upset that Ashworth wants to join Manchester United.

The club have put him on gardening leave, which can be up to 20 months, per the terms of his contract.

Man United will have to pay a figure in the region of £20 million to sign Ashworth immediately.

Manager Eddie Howe has already stated that he is worried about Ashworth taking over club secrets.

"He's in a position of power, with a lot of intelligence and information," Howe admitted to reporters.

"That's why it's a slightly unusual situation. At some stage there has to be a line drawn and things have to move forward. It's not my decision. I'm not in control of it."