Alan Shearer makes Dan Ashworth 'deal' claim as Manchester United frustrated by Newcastle

Alan Shearer has suggested that it is 'only a matter of time' before Manchester United agree a deal with Newcastle United for Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth has been on gardening leave for a couple of months now after informing those above him that he wished to leave Newcastle. Manchester United will have to strike an agreement with Newcastle to cut short that lengthy notice period - just as the Magpies previously did with Brighton to hire the 53-year-old in the first place in 2022.

Newcastle initially demanded an eight-figure compensation package of up to £20m to enable Ashworth to start work earlier at Manchester United, which Sir Jim Ratcliffe branded 'silly', and the Red Devils part-owner said it was 'absurd' that the sporting director could be out of action for the best part of two years if they did not pay up. Sir Jim's frustrations were still clear on Sunday when the billionaire said the amount of time staff had to spend on gardening leave was 'one of the biggest problems' and a 'real issue in football'. However, Shearer has predicted that the two clubs will reach a breakthrough.

READ MORE: Manchester United's double standards after Newcastle dig as Roy Keane shocked by desperate move

READ MORE: I've no sympathy after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Newcastle moan when Man United can still save £100m

"He's running the football operations so he's made his intentions known," the Newcastle legend told the Rest is Football podcast. "He's got Jason Wilcox in there now from Southampton. He's got [Dave] Brailsford in there.

"He will get Dan Ashworth in there. It's only a matter of time. A deal will be done. Whether they have to pay what they wanted to, or not, a deal will be done with Newcastle."