Manchester United finally 'agree deal to appoint Dan Ashworth as sporting director' FOUR MONTHS after Newcastle put him on gardening leave

Dan Ashworth is finally set to join Manchester United as the club's new sporting director following drawn-out compensation talks with Newcastle. 

Ashworth was placed on gardening leave by Newcastle four months ago after making it clear in February that he wanted to move to Old Trafford.

The 53-year-old agreed personal terms with the Red Devils long ago but the deal was on hold because the two clubs had been unable to strike a deal.

But according to The Athletic,an agreement is now in place and Ashworth will be in place in his new post this summer.

This comes after Mail Sport reported in May that Ashworth sent an email to a Newcastle address inadvertently revealing he was being tapped up by incoming Man United chief executive Omar Berrada.

There have been many backroom changes at Old Trafford since the arrival of Jim Ratcliffe

United's players will soon return for pre-season training before their first friendly of the summer takes place in Norway against Rosenborg on July 15.

Ten Hag's side will then travel to Edinburgh to face Rangers at Murrayfield,followed by three games in the USA - against Arsenal,Real Betis and Liverpool.