Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle has been connected to Manchester United, and Dan Ashworth, the new sporting director, is a major player in the story.

The Brazilian has played a crucial role in Newcastle’s transformation from a team facing relegation to a Champions League contender that, despite not advancing past the group round, had an incredible 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at home.

The midfield maestro has remained to be a key component of the Magpies’ season, even in spite of their decline in output this year.

He has made 39 appearances, tallying three goals and dishing out seven assists.

There have been speculations of a possible 26-year-old departure for the Geordies due to a combination of his excellent form and their troubles.

According to a later report in the Spanish newspaper AS, Manchester United and other clubs in and outside of England are interested in signing the Brazilian, despite Manchester City’s intense pursuit of the player.

The intriguing claim that “in addition, Manchester United would be the last contender in the race for the Rio player, having the endorsement of Dan Ashworth, former Newcastle sporting director who is in love with his game” is made by the site to further explain the Red Devils’ interest.

While both teams attempt to reach an amicable agreement on his exorbitant compensation price, the English sporting director is presently on gardening leave from Newcastle.

Although it was believed that the negotiations were moving forward, reputable The Athletic journalist David Ornstein asserted that there had been no “significant developments” based on his information.

Despite Ashworth’s inability to work for the team officially until he is released from his St. James’ Park contract, it has been reported that he has been conducting unofficial business by meeting with Graham Potter, a favourite of INEOS, regarding the possible opening in the manager’s chair at Old Trafford should Erik ten Hag be fired.

Thus, it’s not out of the question that Ashworth is trying to figure out how to get Newcastle’s star to follow him to Old Trafford.

In addition, it has been stated that Omar Berrada, the new CEO, has been holding secret meetings in order to be ready for his new position. Berrada is also on gardening leave until the summer.

Nevertheless, given that transfermarkt values Guimarães at €85 million, a move for him now appears doubtful. It doesn’t seem realistic that United would spend that much money on the midfield player in the summer when they have a number of holes in their lineup to address.

Furthermore, Sir Jim Ratcliffe described Newcastle’s position on the Ashworth issue as “silly,” indicating that the two clubs’ relationships are obviously not at their best.

It is therefore unsettling to consider what Newcastle might seek for their talisman midfield general if they are willing to pay £20 million for a sporting director.

In addition, the two compete in the Premier League for comparable territory, and the Brazilian international has made no secret of his happiness at the North-East of England.