https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...panic-to-sell/

In turn, former sporting director Dan Ashworth, had not been in a rush to agree a new contract with Brazil international Joelinton because he recognised the club may well need to sell him. The 27-year-old would have had one year left on his existing deal this summer and there was a market for him.

Having joined in 2019 for £40 million, the amortisation of his contract would mean a significant profit for PSR calculations if they could get £50-60 million for him. As soon as Ashworth left, however, Newcastle agreed to make one of Howe’s blue-chip brigade one of the club’s highest earners and he signed a new long-term contract. That option was also closed.

Ashworth had already started talking with Brailsford about moving to Man U.

Ratcliff's deal was over a year in the making. Brailsford was onboard from day 1. He'd have already sounded out Ashworth way back. They don't just pull names out of the hat.

So a nice sale of 'One of the clubs Crown Jewels' to his new/next employers at old Trafford would have got the little midget a pat on the head from the bosses.

Joelinton is absolutely integral to Newcastle United's success in EH's first season, the run to UCL qualification & of paramount importance for Bruno's stability and the teams performance on the pitch.

Joe departed, it would make Bruno's decision to leave should an acceptable come in lot easier.

The board identified that as a huge misstep for the club and from Ashworth.