NEWCASTLE have been given permission to speak with Brighton chief Dan Ashworth as they look to secure him as the club's new director of football.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Saturday that the 50-year-old is high up on the Magpies' list of potential candidates.
Ashworth joined the Seagulls in 2019 after spending six years working with the FA.
He has built up quite the reputation within footballing circles and is now being approached by Newcastle following his impressive two years at Brighton.
And, according to The Athletic, permission has been granted by the south-coast side for the Toon to discuss the vacancy with Ashworth.
Newcastle have made contact and conversations between them and Ashworth are set to begin in due course – although a final decision may not be made until after the January window has shut.
Brighton want Ashworth to stay but will not stand in his way if he wishes to leave.
If he does leave, a compensation fee will be involved.
LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS
FREE BONUS 
Join Sun Vegas now to get £10 free with no deposit required
Get £50 in special bingo bonuses plus 50 free spins when you join Sun Bingo
Fabulous Bingo new customer offer: Get free £5 bonus with no deposit required
Win great prizes every day in December with the FREE Christmas Sun Bingoboard
Newcastle's search for a new director of football is being led by external recruitment company Nolan Partners who have handled Ashworth's last two job changes.
Nick Hammond, formerly an executive at Reading, West Bromwich Albion and Celtic, is currently acting as a temporary consultant while Newcastle search for a permanent director of football.
And while Ashworth is set to start talks with the Geordie outfit, he is by no means the only candidate.
Other names mentioned include Frank McParland — a close adviser to Toon director Amanda Staveley, who has worked at Liverpool, Brentford, Rangers and Nottingham Forest.
Leeds’ Spanish director of football Victor Orta is also in the mix.
Newcastle are prepared to splash the cash on players and staff following their £300million Saudi takeover.
One of the first decisions the new owners made was to sack unpopular manager Steve Bruce.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was then appointed the new head coach last month.
But Newcastle continue to struggle in the Premier League with just one win from their opening 17 games.
Heading into a busy Christmas period they currently sit in 19th place, three points from safety.
⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
Source: Read Full Article