Chelsea have made an approach for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Sam Jewell in what could be an early blow to Dan Ashworth’s Manchester United plans.
Excitement is building in the United fanbase with Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth now expected to arrive.
United fans have long wanted to see the club act as a top organisation on and off the pitch, with a real lack of football know-how clear for all to see.
Landing a proven and experienced sporting director in Ashworth would be a major coup and it looks like a deal is close.
Reports on Wednesday suggested that Ashworth has already told Newcastle that he has an offer on the table from United – and he wants to go.
Chelsea may provide Dan Ashworth with early Manchester United blow
Ashworth is understood to be attracted to the idea of having more power at United, which would include adding new recruitment staff.
One man Ashworth is allegedly interested in is Brighton and Hove Albion head of recruitment Sam Jewell.
Ashworth is thought to be eyeing Jewell for a role at United but Chelsea could now throw a major spanner in the works.
The Telegraph now report that Chelsea have made an approach to lure Jewell to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea snatched Brighton’s last head of recruitment, Paul Winstanley, and now want to take Jewell too.
Chelsea are offering Jewell a global scouting role and the chance to be in charge of negotiations for both Chelsea and partner club Strasbourg.
Crucially, it’s stated that Chelsea have made their move right now because they fear that Ashworth will lure him to United.
The battle for Jewell now appears to be on with Chelsea hoping to ruin one of Ashworth’s first potential moves.
Who is Sam Jewell?
Jewell is the son of former Wigan Athletic and Derby County boss Paul Jewell and has been gaining a real reputation in recent years.
After scouting roles at Newport County and Swindon Town, Jewell headed to Brighton in 2016.
The 34-year-old initially started as a youth scout but stepped up once Winstanley left Brighton for Chelsea in 2022.
Hailed as a ‘top guy’ and a ‘big talent’ by Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Jewell is understood to have rejected interest from Rangers earlier this season.
Ashworth and United now seemingly hope for better luck, but Chelsea’s move means this is a tough one to call.
READ MORE: Who is Dan Ashworth? Meet the man who could be set to transform Manchester United
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
