Newcastle United remain in high level negotiations to bring in Dan Ashworth as technical director from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The former Seagulls supremo had already agreed to join United but is now on a period of gardening leave as Brighton play hardball over time of his release.
Chronicle Live understands that compensation is also a big factor Brighton freeing him from his contract, with the terms of his agreement currently preventing him taking up his new role.
