Man United are 'boosted in their recruitment efforts for Newcastle transfer chief Dan Ashworth' ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival... as the Magpies 'line up replacement from Premier League side'

Manchester United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Newcastle's transfer chief Dan Ashworth as the Magpies themselves step up their efforts to bring Bournemouth's Richard Hughes to the club, according to reports.

52-year-old Ashworth is one of the favourites to take up a sporting director role in Manchester, meaning Newcastle would need to find a replacement of their own.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's expected investment in Man United is targeted at seeing the British billionaire and his team take sporting control at the club.

Ashworth is one of the names at the top of the club's shortlist for the proposed executive role and could also be joined by one other at Old Trafford, as reported by The Sun.

United's current boardroom doesn't boast a sporting director, a decision that has been heavily criticised during a period when the club's recent recruitment has been scrutinised.

Ashworth previously joined Newcastle after leaving fellow Premier League side, Brighton, in June last year.

His departure from the AMEX saw him put on gardening leave for an extended period of time while Newcastle negotiated his initial move to St James' Park.

Ratcliffe is expected to bring in members from his own INEOS sporting team including former Team SKY and Team GB cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford when his 25 per cent purchase in United is confirmed.

The 71-year-old will purchase stocks in the 13-time Premier League champions on the New York Stock Exchange while also taking further shares from the owning Glazer family.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are believed to be admirers of Bournemouth's current transfer lead, Hughes, who previously worked with manager Eddie Howe during his previous stint in charge at Bournemouth.

The Tyneside outfit are expected to step up their recruitment efforts in future transfer windows given their Saudi Arabian-backed riches, while impressive performances on the pitch are also bringing in further prize funds.

Newcastle were back competing in the Champions League this season but crashed out at the group stage earlier in the week after losing to AC Milan.

The Magpies beat Fulham 3-0 on Saturday to leapfrog Man United into sixth in the Premier League table ahead of their trip to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday.