Newcastle United have placed sporting director Dan Ashworth on gardening leave after he decided to step down from his position, the Premier League club said on Monday.

The highly-rated 52-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United since British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club.

Ashworth joined Newcastle in 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion, where he was the technical director.

"We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately," Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said in a statement.

"We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future." REUTERS