Former West Brom transfer chief set for sensational return to former role

The ex-West Brom technical director, who became one of the first in English football when he took up the position at Albion - has been in the headlines in recent years.

Ashworth's stock continued to rise after departing Albion and having success with the FA and the national teams.

Spells at Brighton were followed by big money moves to Newcastle United and then Manchester United, but his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford lasted only a matter of months.

Now though it looks like he could be returning to the top table of English football - with reports in the Telegraph suggesting Ashworth is in discussions with the Football Association over a return.

Reports have claimed that Ashworth is in talks regarding a role that would oversee the men's and women's technical operations, as well as the next stage of the refurbishment of St George's Park.

It would cap a remarkable return to the governing body for Ashworth - who is still held in high regard at The Hawthorns and recently visited the ground to speak with a club foundation group.

Between 2004 and 2012, he went from academy manager to technical director at West Brom, overseeing a majorly successful recruitment operation and leading Albion to the Premier League, where they would remain for eight years.

He left for the FA, and played a hand in improving the national teams that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 - as well as seeing the women's team reach the last four.