Sir Jim Ratcliffe holds face-to-face talks with Amanda Staveley to thrash out Dan Ashworth’s Man Utd move

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has met with Amanda Staveley in a bid to push through Dan Ashworth’s move to Manchester United.

The Newcastle sporting director has agreed to take up the same role at Old Trafford.

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held face-to-face talks with Amanda Staveley[/caption]

PA

The Newcastle director is seeking compensation for sporting director Dan Ashworth’s exit[/caption]

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Ashworth has been on gardening leave since agreeing to move to Manchester United[/caption]

However, the two clubs are yet to agree on compensation, with Ashworth placed on gardening leave by the Magpies in February.

Newcastle are reportedly seeking £20million to let him go after he arrived on a four-year deal in 2022.

United see that fee as too high, though, and Ratcliffe has now held face-to-face talks with Toon director Staveley, report the Times.

The British billionaire is keen to reach an agreement for Ashworth’s move to United.

It is understood the meeting took place within the last week and negotiations are continuing.

Ashworth previously held similar roles with West Brom, England and Brighton prior to his arrival at St. James’ Park two years ago.

United plan to install him as John Murtough’s successor after announcing his exit as football director this week after 11 years at the club.

Part of reshuffle following Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club and takeover of football operations.

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Southampton’s director of football Jason Wilcox has also agreed a move to United.

However, his arrival is similarly being delayed until a compensation agreement can be reached with the Championship side.