Chris Sutton has revealed that he is absolutely perplexed by what is happening at Newcastle United.
The Magpies are expected to lose one of their major behind-the-scenes leaders, as Sporting Director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave ahead of a move to Manchester United.
Speaking on The Monday Night Club, Sutton stated that everything going on with Ashworth has left him’slightly perplexed’ as Newcastle attempt to extract £20 million from their Premier League rivals.
Sutton says he ‘understands’ Newcastle’s position
It’s certainly a huge blow for Newcastle, who expected Ashworth to stay for a few years to assist them accomplish their long-term aims.
In his line of work, which includes establishing the academy, organizing a new recruitment team, and investing in a new training facility, benefits can only be seen after at least five years.
That’s why the announcement would have disappointed Newcastle’s owners, albeit Ashworth is thought to have been dissatisfied with his involvement in the club’s day-to-day operations.
While Sutton understands why Newcastle would be unwilling to let the director go for a low price, he remains perplexed by the entire issue.
On the show, Sutton stated, “I am just bit perplexed about this; I know what gardening leave is, but how long will it be?
“I watched Eddie Howe talk about this and his dissatisfaction with it, and I completely get it, in that Newcastle invested in Dan Ashworth and trusted him, and he’s part of Newcastle’s plans for the future, then Manchester United comes in and he turns his head.
“I understand Newcastle’s perspective; I believe they feel hurt and let down by this move. But Manchester United are trying to improve, and the guy has a fantastic reputation.”
Newcastle don’t have to sell if they don’t want to
For once, Newcastle has the upper hand and holds all of the cards when it comes to selling Ashworth, as they are not desperate to lose him and do not want to reinforce a competition so quickly.
Man United are determined that they will not pay the entire £20 million for the 52-year-old, but it would mean Ashworth would not be able to work at Old Trafford until 2026 at the least.
Newcastle appear to be exacting retribution for the Jesse Lingard loan catastrophe from a few years ago, when the Red Devils priced Newcastle out of a deal, and now they’re getting their own back.
If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement on how much Ashworth will be paid, negotiations may continue for some time, so this is not the end of the tale.
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