Newcastle United is eyeing Benfica’s sports director, Rui Pedro Braz, as a potential successor for Dan Ashworth, according to reports from The Times.
Manchester United has reportedly made a formal offer for Ashworth as part of their ongoing restructuring led by new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle after expressing his desire to join Old Trafford.
Reports suggest that Ashworth’s gardening leave could last up to 20 months, although Newcastle may consider shortening it for an additional fee, estimated to be between £15m and £20m.
Meanwhile, Braz has gained attention for his successful tenure at Benfica, where he led the club to win the Portuguese title in his first full season in charge.
Notably, Braz orchestrated significant transfer deals, including Enzo Fernández’s move to Chelsea for €121million and Darwin Núñez’s transfer to Liverpool for €100million.
Other candidates being considered to replace Ashworth include former Tottenham, Monaco, and RB Leipzig sporting director Paul Mitchell, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten, and Tiago Pinto, who recently left his position at Roma.