Newcastle United's delay in being able to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new director of football has come as a 'nuisance' to the St James' Park hierarchy, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund completed a £305million takeover last October, resulting in the Magpies becoming the richest club in world football.

What's the latest news involving Ashworth?

It has been revealed by the Daily Mail that Newcastle have been unable to welcome Ashworth to Tyneside due to a seven-figure standoff with Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

The report suggests the Seagulls are demanding a fee of £5million in order to release the 51-year-old from gardening leave, but the Magpies' owners - led in the UK by Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi - are refusing to pay what they believe to be inflated prices.

Ashworth has been on gardening leave since quitting as Brighton’s technical director in February, with the south coast outfit revealing he was departing the Amex Stadium due to looking to ‘take a similar role at another Premier League club’.

The Football Association’s former director of elite development tendered his resignation having already held initial discussions over the director of football role at Newcastle after Brighton had given the Tynesiders permission to arrange an interview.

Just 24 hours after walking away from Brighton, it emerged that Ashworth had already entered advanced talks, but Newcastle have been unable to get a deal over the line.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Ashworth?

O'Rourke believes Ashworth remains at the forefront of Newcastle's long-term plans despite being unable to reach an agreement with Brighton.

The journalist feels the Magpies' key decision-makers will be growing frustrated with the delay in his appointment at St James' Park.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "Newcastle want Dan Ashworth in their big plans ahead for the club.

"Although it's a delay and a bit of a nuisance for them if he's not there for the summer, I think - long-term - they want Dan Ashworth in place and ready to take the club forward."

Why are Newcastle keen to appoint a director of football?

It became clear that Newcastle's owners were desperate to fill the director of football position after they opted to hire specialist recruitment firm Nolan Partners last December as they looked to find the right candidate for the job.

Head coach Eddie Howe has also admitted the Magpies need to appoint a director of football with ‘a matter of urgency’, but he is prepared to help fill the void amid delays to Ashworth’s arrival.

Ashworth 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 within the FA.

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