Manchester United's pursuit of Dan Ashworth may be slowed down by an unrelated appointment.
Liverpool have secured the services of former sporting director Michael Edwards as their new CEO of Football.
Given Newcastle United were eager to hire Edwards, they are now seeking an alternative.
Ashworth is on gardening leave at Newcastle, as he wants to go to Man United.
However, he may not be allowed to leave unless the Magpies get a replacement.
The other option for United is to pay a compensation figure of up to 20 million.