Brighton & Hove Albion are maintaining what they believe is a dignified silence on the Dan Ashworth saga after fresh attempts by Newcastle United to get their man in time for the summer window.
The former FA technical director is still tied up legally in a contract with the Seagulls after being placed on gardening leave following his resignation in February. And while compensation is a factor for Brighton if United want that early release, Albion also feel that holding back Ashworth will limit any potential damage on the summer transfer window.
They fear that certain deals that were previously discussed could end up on Tyneside if Ashworth gets into position early although a bumper financial package would be deemed as ample compensation. Brighton supremo Paul Barber said at the time: "I will be sad to see Dan leave as we’d developed a close day to day working relationship. Dan’s been an excellent colleague and has become a good friend as well. I wish Dan and his family well for the future.
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"However, as is the case with all top-quality people in any industry, we are always conscious of the risk of losing key staff to a rival. With that in mind, we always put in place contingencies and succession plans that are designed to minimise the impact on our club."
When talking about taking the Newcastle job, Ashworth said: "I thought about it for a long time and thought about it really seriously because I wasn’t looking for a job. I didn’t apply for the job and I have been really happy at Brighton."
A further six-month wait for Ashworth's services is far from ideal for Newcastle but if that does become the case, and Newcastle are working hard to bring him earlier, the club have a transfer committee in place. Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall, head of recruitment Steve Nickson, Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben are all in place.
Newcastle already have a shortlist of targets they are ready to work through when the transfer window opens on June 10. One deal is already ready to go if United want to push the button on left-back Matt Targett with a fee already agreed for his services.
Although, as always, it will boil down to the player's decision. Targett though has stated he is happy at Newcastle.
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