Everton are looking to make some changes behind the scenes ahead of what is set to be a busy summer.
David Moyes has proven the biggest change made at Everton since the new ownership took charge in December.
However, a big summer is expected at Everton following what was a quiet January transfer window.
A number of players are set to leave Merseyside following the conclusion of their contracts with the Toffees.
The departures may not be limited to just players, however, with Kevin Thelwell’s Everton future remaining unclear as his contract also nears its end.
But there is one potential replacement the Blues have eyed up which they have now been warned about appointing.
Everton warned about hiring Dan Ashworth as Kevin Thelwell’s successor
Everton have identified Dan Ashworth as a possible replacement for Thelwell following his exit from Manchester United.
Ashworth was only in his role at Old Trafford for a mere 159 days with their new owners choosing to move on quickly.
Speaking to ESPN, journalist Mark Ogden has already issued a warning to the likes of Everton over appointing Ashworth as a sporting director.
“My view is they [Man Utd] hired the wrong guy for the wrong job. Dan Ashworth is respected for building the structure of a club, building behind the scenes and putting the right people in place,” said Ogden.
“What he isn’t is a sporting director. He isn’t going to pick up the phone to people in Italy, Spain, Germany or Turkey to find a player or to offload a player.”
“The club did not want Matthijs de Ligt. De Ligt was a signing which was made through Erik ten Hag and despite the fact they felt they were well stocked with centre-halves, United or Dan Ashworth felt they had to back Ten Hag after giving him a new contract.
“So you could say that was a weakness on Dan Ashworth’s part, he should not have given that the green light.”
Ironically, Everton will be facing Manchester United this weekend and a win for the Blues would pull them four points clear of the Red Devils.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 13 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 29 | 32 | -3 | 30 |
| 14 |  EvertonEverton | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 27 | 31 | -4 | 30 |
| 15 |  Man UtdManchester United | 25 | 8 | 5 | 12 | 28 | 35 | -7 | 29 |
Considering how poorly Everton started the season, being ahead of United in the league goes to show just how little effect Ashworth’s signings this season have had on their team.
Manchester United owner slams mediocre work under Ashworth
It has been a really poor season for the Red Devils, who are sitting in an unprecedented 15th spot in the Premier League.
And it has to be said, the signings which Ashworth made over the summer transfer window have proven to be seriously underwhelming.
- Leny Yoro
- Manuel Ugarte
- Matthijs de Ligt
- Joshua Zirkzee
- Noussair Mazraoui
A whopping £203m was spent by United on these players and the club have arguably been made even worse following their eighth place finish last season.
Food for thought as far as the Friedkins are concerned with Ashworth not exactly leaving United with glowing reviews.
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