By Tom Gott Newcastle United have confirmed director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave after asking to leave the club. Ashworth, who joined Newcastle as sporting director in May 2022, is Manchester United’s top target to take up a role in their recruitment department, and it was reported earlier on Monday that he had asked to be freed from his contract to move to Old Trafford. Confirming the news, a Newcastle statement read: “Newcastle United can announce that Dan Ashworth has commenced a period of gardening leave.” Darren Eales, Newcastle United CEO, added: “We are naturally dis…