Ashworth delay gives Ten Hag stay of execution, Wolves braced for bids from top six clubs

Manchester United are prepared to play the waiting game for Dan Ashworth – which could hand under-pressure Erik ten Hag a stay of execution.

Ashworth has agreed to become Man United’s first ever sporting director after handing in his notice at Newcastle.

The Red Devils wanted the former FA bigwig to be in situ in time to lead their summer recruitment plans, but are still refusing to pay Newcastle’s £20m asking price to release him early from his lengthy gardening leave.

talkSPORT understands Man United are more hopeful of reaching a compromise with Southampton to allow Jason Wilcox to assume his role as technical director for the start of the transfer window and work alongside incoming chief executive Omar Berrada.

Ten Hag’s position is under intense scrutiny on the back of a very disappointing season, but Ashworth would want a major input in any change in the dugout and as it stands Man United are preparing for the start of the new season with the Dutchman at the helm.

Not Luiz-ing out

Aston Villa are growing increasingly hopeful star midfielder Douglas Luiz will sign a new long-term contract.

Arsenal had a number of offers for Luiz rejected during the January 2023 transfer window and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta remains a massive fan of the Brazilian.

Luiz’s current deal expires in the summer of 2026 but Villa are confident he will commit his future to the club, especially if they secure a Champions League place next season.

The 26-year-old has spoken publicly about how settled he is at Villa Park.

Reaching the Champions League will also help Villa with regard to Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.

The Hammers have already lined up a number of targets including Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, available on a free transfer, and Panathinaikos striker Fortis Ioannidis.

Shifting players off the wage bill is also part of the plan and Zouma, one of the Hammers’ top earners, is seen as dispensable after being hampered by the effects of a long-term knee injury.

The 29-year-old has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League in the past.

Wary Wolves

Wolves are bracing themselves for a battle to keep hold of in-form Rayan Ait-Nouri.

After being bombed out by Julen Lopetegui, defender Ait-Nouri has become one of Gary O’Neil’s key men, weighing in with some vital goals in recent weeks after being asked to play in a more advanced role due to the Molineux side’s attacking injury crisis.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were already tracking the Algerian and clubs in the Premier League are certain to join them.

Manchester United and Chelsea will both look for left-back reinforcement this summer while Newcastle are also short of options in that area.

Ait-Nouri is not the only Wolves man attracting the attention of bigger clubs with midfielder Joao Gomes on the radar of both United and Arsenal and Pedro Neto also looking to join a Champions League team.

talkSPORT has been told Wanderers are not under the same financial pressure to sell as they were a year ago and are prepared to hold out for big offers.