Newcastle United's owners will be overjoyed as they near the appointment of Dan Ashworth as the Magpies' new director of football, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Tynesiders became the richest club in world football thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund leading a £305million takeover in October and it appears they are set to strengthen the club behind the scenes.

What's the latest news involving Ashworth?

Newcastle are expected to appoint Ashworth as their new director of football after a major development in the last 24 hours.

Brighton & Hove Albion have revealed Ashworth has resigned from his position as the Seagulls' technical director.

The report suggests Ashworth has left the Amex Stadium in order to 'take a similar role at another Premier League club' and begun an extended period of gardening leave.

It comes after it emerged the 50-year-old held talks with the Newcastle hierarchy shortly after the turn of the year.

The Public Investment Fund were given permission to discuss a potential switch to Tyneside weeks earlier, with Ashworth in line for a hefty pay rise by leaving Brighton.

The Magpies have been seeking a director of football for an extensive period and even hired a specialist recruitment firm, Nolan Partners, as they looked to identify the right candidate to head to St James' Park.

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What has Dean Jones said about Ashworth?

Jones feels Ashworth's resignation signifies a breakthrough in Newcastle's bid to appoint a director of football.

The transfer insider believes clinching Ashworth's services will allow the cash-rich Magpies to put their long-term plans into action.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Newcastle's owners will be doing cartwheels over the breakthrough with Dan Ashworth.

"They've wanted this for months and it'll be a huge signing to them - it will mean their mega plans for the summer can now be ramped up."

Where has Ashworth worked previously?

Ashworth became Brighton's first-ever technical director in 2018, where he was responsible for the Seagulls' ongoing football development and oversaw player recruitment.

His move to the south coast came after a five-year spell as the Football Association’s director of elite development.

He played an integral role in the progression of England’s international sides as the Three Lions won the Under-20 and Under-17 World Cups as well as the Under-19 European Championships during his time in the job.

Prior to that, Ashworth had also worked behind the scenes at West Bromwich Albion, Cambridge United and Peterborough United.