Newcastle boss Eddie Howe offered little today on former sports director Dan Ashworth.

Manchester United are now in talks with Newcastle over a fee for Ashworth.

Asked for an update today, Howe said: "Day to day running of the football club, not at all. It's [Ashworth saga] happened away from the players and training ground. Business as usual for us."

Asked for a job assessment, the manager continued: "I don't think I should be going there. That's something for other people to reflect on. As a football club we need to reflect and move forward strongly. I don't think it's right to comment on.

"The events this week have given that certainty. We needed that as a football club. We move forward and look to the future."

On a replacement, Howe added: "That's not my decision. The club will sit down and analyse what has happened to this point and try find balance. From my opinion, I'll express my opinions to the club at the time. We need to make sure we're running effectively."