While Newcastle United have been linked with a host of transfer window targets already, the best business they might do all summer could be bringing in Dan Ashworth as a sporting director. Ashworth resigned from his role as technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion way back in February in order to join Newcastle.
However, he was placed on gardening leave following his departure from the AMEX with his notice period set to end in November later this year. Talks have taken place between the two clubs to release Ashworth from his leave period but Newcastle have yet to make a breakthrough on that front.
While they could just wait till November to bring in the former FA director of elite development, Newcastle will be keen to ensure they keep the momentum on Tyneside going. A strong end to the season means the club has the chance to continue it's growth both on and off the pitch, with Ashworth set to play a key role behind the scenes.
READ MORE: Dan Ashworth may help Newcastle raise millions in different transfer strategy to Aston Villa
ChronicleLive takes a look at what his former colleagues have had to say about the prospective Newcastle technical director.
Gareth Southgate
Ashworth played a key role in helping shape English football for the better in recent years. When he joined the FA as director of elite development, he was pivotal in creating and implementing 'England DNA' - a plan that would help see England's men and women's teams reach the very top of the sport.
One man who worked closely with Ashworth during his time with the FA was now England manager Gareth Southgate, who was effuse in his praise of the 51-year-old.
"I told Dan [Ashworth] as we walked in that he should feel really proud," Southgate said back in September 2018.
"The last time we came to one of these it was in St Petersburg three years ago but this time we walked in as world champions at U17 and U20 and we've been to a seniors' semi-final, so we deserve our place at the table.
"That is a great credit to everyone involved, the backing the FA has given us in building St George's Park and investing in the teams, to the work being done in youth development and to Dan in particular for putting those plans in place, which we have seen pay off for Spain, Germany and France.”
Tony Mowbray
Another former colleague of Ashworth's, Tony Mowbray, gave the former glowing reviews. The two worked together at West Bromwich Albion, with Ashworth operating as the Baggies sporting and technical director while Mowbray held the managerial reigns.
"The chairman's appointment of a sporting and technical director has been a huge help for me," said Mowbray in July 2008. "The difference between last summer and this summer has been marked from my point of view.
"I think Dan Ashworth has taken a lot of that burden this summer and that has been good for me. I think the chairman has been visionary and it's been good having a sporting and technical director that works in between us so that I'm not constantly on the phone to the chairman and vice versa.
"I just get on with my football job and the sporting and technical director is bouncing between the two of us so the information flows very freely."
Graham Potter
Graham Potter has earned plenty of plaudits this season with Brighton. His and Brighton's success is in part due to the foundations Ashworth laid at the AMEX during his time there.
While Potter was undoubtedly disappointed with Ashworth's departure, he also a gave glowing review of the former Brighton director following his departure.
"I had lots of calls and conversations with Dan, I understood his position, it was a really tough decision for him," said Potter.
"He has got his family and his reasons, you have to respect that Dan is his own man, he’s an intelligent man, he understands how good it is here, but at the same time, he’s got another opportunity.
"You have to respect that, that’s how it is, then you’ve got to trust that he will make the decision for him and then it’s up to the club to sort the rest of it out. I respect Dan, what he has done for us, the decision he has made, and wish him well."
Andy Townsend
While Newcastle have yet to make Ashworth's appointment official, talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend reckons the decision to bring him in is a shrewd decision by the Magpies ownership.
“I think for Newcastle it’s a very shrewd piece of business," said Townsend. "Brighton will miss him for sure, they’ll have to move on and again, football evolves. Players and managers, staff - everyone comes and goes.
"But I do think when you’ve got someone who is clearly as well thought of and highly regarded as what Dan is, then the best teams should be in for those sort of people. It’s a key position.”
