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Dan departs

Newcastle have confirmed their sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave amid speculation linking him with Manchester United.

Reports surfaced last week that United's new part-owners INEOS want to bring recruitment supremo Ashworth, 52, in at Old Trafford as part of their backroom overhaul.

Though no talks have yet been held between the clubs, St James' Park chiefs have reluctantly agreed to let Ashworth step back from his role after he notified them of his desire to move on.

The club's CEO Darren Eales said: "We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately. 

"We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle and we wish him and his family well for the future."

Ashworth is not able to work for another Premier League club until 2025 unless compensation is agreed, as per the terms of his contract — with Newcastle supposedly set to demand upwards of £10million from the Red Devils.

A Frank assessment

Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes Phil Foden could be a future Ballon d'Or winner.

The Manchester City star, 23, is enjoying a sensational season, scoring 15 goals and assisting a further 10 in all competitions.

He comes up against Frank's Bees at the Etihad tomorrow night, having netted a hat-trick in the away fixture two weeks ago.

Danish boss Frank said: "Phil Foden is a very good player. For me, he's the closest England will get to a Ballon d'Or winner in the future.

"I think he has that potential, that level. He influences the game in so many ways. The last game he got on the end of three situations and scored three goals.

"He is very at good dribbling, very good at sliding people in. He works very hard. He seems to have a good mentality. He is very good."

Mowbray steps back

Birmingham have announced their manager Tony Mowbray will spend six to eight weeks away from the club to undergo medical treatment.

The 60-year-old tactician was hired as Wayne Rooney's replacement at St Andrew's only last month and has overseen an immediate upturn in results, taking 10 points from six Championship outings.

In a statement on the club website, Mowbray said: "Following my recent League Managers Association health assessment, I have received a medical diagnosis that will require me to receive treatment. 

"Undergoing treatment will necessitate that I temporarily step away from the technical area as manager of Birmingham.

"Until I return, my assistant manager Mark Venus will take temporary charge of the team, supported by coaches Ashley Cole, Pete Shuttleworth and Maik Taylor. I will continue to provide advice and counsel while undergoing treatment."

Blues CEO Garry Cook added: "Our thoughts are with Tony, his wife Amber and family. We wish him a speedy recovery."

De Zerbi desire

Danny Welbeck believes Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi's high standards are paying off after a crushing 5-0 win at struggling Sheffield United.

The Seagulls swept to a comfortable victory after Blades defender Mason Holgate's early red card via strikes from Facundo Buonanotte, Welbeck, a Jack Robinson own goal and Simon Adingra's late brace.

It was a result that keeps them in the mix for a top-six finish and the ex-Manchester United striker, 33, is in no doubt who is driving the continued success on the South Coast.

Former England international Welbeck said: "He [De Zerbi] is always demanding. Every single moment, every single day, every single second.

"There is no time to rest. That is one of the great things about him.

"It was a different game than the one we faced in the FA Cup a few weeks back but it is important we got the three points. Five goals, a clean sheet, it has been positive."

No looking back

Leicester defender Wout Faes says the Championship leaders are not looking over their shoulders despite a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough last Saturday.

The Foxes have been the division's dominant side this term and remain nine points clear of second-placed Leeds, who host the Foxes at Elland Road on Friday evening.

Daniel Farke's Whites enter the blockbuster clash in imperious form having won eight straight league games, conceding just one goal in that run — but Faes and Co are not fazed.

The 25-year-old Belgian said: "You look at it for sure but I think we have to focus on ourselves. 

"We have been doing amazing. We've had an amazing season and we've been winning a lot. And if we keep doing our own job, we don't have to look backward and I think that is that aim.

"We look forward to facing Leeds and hope to make the gap a little bigger again."