Premier League club statement suggests fresh Newcastle United twist as £20m Man United deal eyed

Manchester United approached Dan Ashworth, prompting Newcastle United to begin the search for a new sporting director.

Associated with Newcastle United This summer, Richard Hughes will be stepping down from his role as technical director for AFC Bournemouth.

Former Magpies assistant Jason Tindall and head coach Eddie Howe were Hughes’s colleagues before he took over in 2016. After Dan Ashworth was placed on gardening leave, Newcastle began their search for a new sporting director, and his departure comes at the same time.

Hughes expressed his immense joy and pride in working for AFC Bournemouth in a statement released by the Cherries. I consider every moment I’ve spent here a blessing, whether it was representing the club as a player or later as a football leader.

As the game’s technical director, I’ve had the good fortune to collaborate with some of the industry’s most brilliant minds and hardest workers. The past decade in this post has been full of ups and downs, but ultimately rewarding.

As a club, we have accomplished nothing short of extraordinary. Our present situation, both on and off the field, gives me hope for a bright future.

Owner Bill Foley is ambitious, intelligent, and dedicated; he is a great fit for AFCB. The club has a first-rate CEO in Neill Blake, and his decisions have consistently prioritized the club’s and its supporters’ interests.

From a technical standpoint, our coaching staff and roster of players are a great fit. We have what is arguably the greatest playing roster in club history, and Andoni is one of the most intriguing managerial prospects in Europe. I am confident that our fans will still have a fantastic time on match days.

“I felt it was the best time to let you know that I will be departing at the end of the season so that the club can have enough time to prepare for the summer and beyond.”

Bill Foley, owner of Bournemouth, also expressed his gratitude for Richard’s exceptional service to the club. Being a Premier League club for seven of the past nine seasons is the best testimony to his contribution to delivering competitive teams for us throughout the years. I hope all the best for his future endeavors.

It is not surprising that Hughes has connections to Newcastle, given his history with Howe. But the United manager will not be the one to choose the club’s new director of sports.