Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Newcastle's Dan Ashworth to become Manchester United's new sporting director.
According to Manchester Evening News, the highly rated Ashworth is INEOS Group's top target to oversee the club's transfer business after success at both Brighton and on Tyneside.
INEOS's 25 per cent stake in United is yet to be ratified, but Ratcliffe is already mulling over his plans once he takes control of the footballing side of the club.
United's recruitment has been disasterous at times since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure over a decade ago, spending more than £1billion without ever mounting a serious Premier League title challenge.
Ashworth, meanwhile, has a fine reputation in the game and was key to Newcastle signing stars Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
MEN report that football director John Murtough remains a popular figure at United and any move for Ashworth would not necessarily mean the end of Murtough, who could move to a more administrative role.
The INEOS sporting director is Sir Dave Brailsford, who visited United's Carrington training ground in November, has an already established relationship with Ashworth after spending time at Newcastle last year.
