Dan Ashworth set to raid Chelsea for first Man Utd signing as incoming sporting director forms new transfer team

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to upset Chelsea with a move for chief analyst Kyle Macaulay.

Dan Ashworth is set to take the reins as sporting director at Old Trafford, bringing in a new support team — and former Brighton scout Macaulay is on his wishlist.

Dan Ashworth is set to become Man Utd’s sporting director

The Scot went to Chelsea when the Blues appointed ex-Seagulls boss Graham Potter and is still at the club but United will come calling for him shortly.

Ashworth, who is being poached from Newcastle, wants an experienced head of recruitment and will also be looking at increasing his staff, with Macaulay a key appointment.

United have also set up a move for Ipswich technical director Sam Williams to join them and find emerging talent, as we first revealed.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s power at Newcastle will be tested as the Toon look to replace Ashworth.

Howe is a big fan of former Bournemouth ally Richard Hughes.

But the Geordies’ Saudi Arabian owners are keen to look around for alternatives and may not want a key appointment who is so close to the manager.

Howe was in a stronger position to have an input a few months ago when the possibility first came to light but recent results have weakened that.

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Several names have been discussed and Brighton talent spotter Sam Jewell is fancied in some quarters.

Jewell had also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea but could be the choice at Newcastle instead.

Ironically, Jewell found a couple of top players for Brighton who have been named on Ashworth’s list of transfer achievements.