Dan Ashworth would come into Chelsea for Man Utd's first signing

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to upset Chelsea with a move from lead analyst Kyle Macaulay.

Dan Ashworth will take charge as sporting director at Old Trafford and bring in a new support team – and former Brighton scout Macaulay is on his wish list.

The Scot joined Chelsea when the Blues appointed ex-Seagulls boss Graham Potter and is still at the club, but United will be coming for him soon.

Poached from Newcastle, Ashworth wants an experienced head of recruitment and will also look to expand his workforce, with Macaulay a key appointment.

United have also set up a plan for Ipswich technical director Sam Williams to join them and find emerging talent, as we first revealed.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's strength will be tested at Newcastle as the Toon replaces Ashworth.

Howe is a big fan of former Bournemouth ally Richard Hughes.

But the Geordies' Saudi Arabian owners are keen to look for alternatives and may not want a key figure so close to the manager.

Howe was in a stronger position to have an input a few months ago when the opportunity first came to light, but recent results have weakened that.

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Several names have been discussed and in some quarters, talent spotter Sam Jewell from Brighton is being sought after.

Jewell has also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, but could be the choice at Newcastle instead.

Ironically, Jewell found a number of top players for Brighton on Ashworth's list of transfer achievements.