Albion are hoping Dan Ashworth listens closely to what his suitors at Newcastle have to offer and decides: “That’s not for me.”

But, as they await their technical director’s verdict, they will be well aware of one key factor.

He could well be exactly the right man for the massive Tyneside rebuilding job.

Newcastle have been granted permission to talk to Ashworth.

Like, for example, the role of assistant coach, the work of a technical director can be very hard to evaluate from outside.

Behind closed doors at the Amex and in Lancing, leading figures at Albion are in no doubt as to the part Ashworth has played behind the scenes at the club.

They believe as much of it as 90% might be unrecognised by fans - which is fine.

It is strucutural, admin stuff. Putting things in place to help the smooth running of the club.

They will not be surprised to learn Newcastle want the Albion and former England man to restructure things as part of their takeover.

Their policy is not to stand in an employee’s way if those wanting him have approached in the correct manner. 

Which, it is understood, Newcastle have.

But one of three things can happen when the employee goes off to have that first discussion.

He or she might decide it’s the right job and the right time.

It might appeal but not at that moment.

Or it might reinforce that person’s belief that they are better off where they are right now.

Newcastle offer an intriguing, possibly unique, challenge and there may well be a huge pay rise.

Ashworth clearly has at least a degree of curiosity over what it might entail.

But that does not necessarily mean he will give up his current role at Albion.

Albion’s ‘project’, if that word might be used, is a long way from reaching its goals.

Ashworth is understood to have great working relationships with Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and Graham Potter.

They also get on well away from football.

So Ashworth has a lot to like about where he is now.

But he is clearly an ambitious character who relishes a new challenge.

The key to whether he moves could be the type of role he has filled at Albion.

It is understood the Seagulls are some way ahead of Newcastle in terms of their structures set up in support of the first team and academy.

Toon will have seen that and might decide the way he works is preferable to a more foreign model, where the technical director role tends only to be about the first team squad.

If Newcastle want a more general administrator, with a close eye on medical, analysis and recruitment departments, for example, a candidate from within the Prem fits their bill nicely.

And Ashworth is certainly the leading contender from within this league by a long way.

There is also the question of who you can get, even with unprecedented funding.

Albion have allowed their man to talk. Other clubs might not.

And Newcastle might not appeal for a top technical director from the European leagues should Newcastle look to prise one away.

Albion will have an idea on their next step should Ashworth leave.

But not more than that for now.

That tends to be their policy with all key roles.

In recent history, they were happy to allow under-23s boss Simon Rusk to talk to clubs eyeing him for first team management roles.

Albion’s policy is, if you stop someone from pursuing an opportunity, they might eventually start to resent you.

They might keep that employee in the short term but, in the medium term, will probably lose them anyway.

A clear willingness to help people develop their careers will help when it comes to recruitment.

The policy will always be to say: “Go and have a chat.”

That is where Ashworth is right now.

If things develop from there, it will happen quickly.

Newcastle’s need is urgent – and not only because they are heading for relegation.

Crucially, there is also a transfer window looming.

Equally, great friends or not, Albion’s top men will make sure Ashworth ceases to be part of their plans for next month the moment it seems he has opted to move to the North East.

THREE PLAYERS ALBION COULD LOSE IN THE SUMMER

As a man who knows the league inside out and has general management skills, there is an acceptance even at Albion that Ashworth is the outstanding candidate for Newcastle.

Whether Newcastle is the ideal challenge right now for Ashworth remains to be seen.