Sources: Two Premier League clubs already looking to snap up Dan Ashworth after his Man United exit

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• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

With the January transfer window now on the horizon, Premier League clubs will be able to strengthen their ranks and offload players surplus to requirements.

Though most of the current speculation doing the rounds will involve players, some Premier League clubs are now looking to make the most of a recruitment opportunity on the boardroom front.

TBR Football understands that Dan Ashworth is ready to return to football despite his recent departure from Manchester United and there is already interest in the Premier League.

The former Brighton and Newcastle supremo fell out of favour with Sir Jim Ratcliffe despite being at the club for less than six months.

However, after serving most of this year on gardening leave following his exit from St James’ Park – we are told that he is already looking at options.

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Arsenal and Everton interested in Dan Ashworth

TBR Football understands that Arsenal have assessed his situation as they consider their options on how to replace Edu, and he does have ties to managing director Richard Garlick.

We can also confirm that Everton’s prospective new owners the Friedkin Group have a real interest in Ashworth.

We understand that neither manager Sean Dyche or sporting director Kevin Thelwell are expected to remain in their jobs heading into the new stadium.

Indeed, Everton have former boss David Moyes all but lined up to step in.

In terms of a sporting director, Dan Friedkin is believed to be looking at bringing in a big name and Ashworth, despite his United blow out, is still held in very high regard.

Everton have also shown interest in the likes of Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate – both of whom have close ties to Ashworth.

Why Ashworth left Manchester United

Ashworth only joined Manchester United on 1 July, having been described by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as 'one of the top sporting directors in the world'.

However, his departure was announced a day after the 3-2 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest on 7 December.

TBR Football understands that Ratcliffe was not overly happy with the decision led by Ashworth to keep Erik ten Hag around for longer.

And according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Ashworth felt sidelined from the big decisions early on, with Berrada and Brailsford reportedly calling the shots.

The tipping point for Ashworth is said to have been Ruben Amorim’s appointment, as he favoured a British coach like Gareth Southgate.

Now, Arsenal and Everton could look to benefit from Man United’s decision to part company with one of the nation’s most highly-rated directors of football.