Newcastle United's sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave after telling the club he wants to join Manchester United.
Manchester United are targeting Ashworth to join their Ineos-inspired overhaul of the club.
However, it is not thought talks between the clubs have started yet.
Newcastle have Ashworth under contract, which prevents the 52-year-old from working for anyone else into 2025 unless compensation is agreed.
Newcastle believe they will be within their rights to ask Manchester United for a fee well in excess of £10m.
The Old Trafford outfit, on the other hand, are determined they will not be held to ransom.