Newcastle plan to insert rare 'transfer ban' on one club to stop them from taking any of their star players

Manchester United are interested in bringing Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford - but his former club Newcastle will consider ensuring that no Magpies players can join him there.

Ashworth has departed St James' Park after almost two years as the club's sporting director and has commenced a period of gardening leave, amid heavy links to moving to United following Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring 25 per cent of the Old Trafford club.

Upon his departure, Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales said: "We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.

"We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."

Ashworth has been strongly linked in the media to join United as the club's new sporting director, as part of Ratcliffe's transformation of the club.

The INEOS firm is overseeing all football operations at United - from the playing squad to the management of both the men and women's team - and that includes the structure above Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in terms of the sporting hierarchy.

Ashworth has a lofty reputation in football thanks to his work at the Football Association and with West Bromwich Albion, Brighton & Hove Albion and now Newcastle.

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Ashworth is being courted by United, but it appears that a deal to bring the football official to Old Trafford is not near completion right now.

According to iNews, talks between both clubs have been described as 'constructive' but there is still no imminent conclusion to these and there is not yet agreement as to what compensation United would have to pay Newcastle, especially if they want Ashworth to start work immediately.

But the publication also suggests that a clause could be inserted in Ashworth's contract which would essentially impose a transfer ban and stop United from trying to buy any of Newcastle's star players.

However, this detail is yet to be truly considered and nothing is imminent on Ashworth's switch to Old Trafford being confirmed.

But with his reputation for discovering and acquiring talent, it would not be a surprise if United want to see him in place sooner rather than later.