Dan Ashworth is expected to become the new technical director of Brighton and Hove Albion in a potentially damaging blow to Gareth Southgate and the Football Association.

Ashworth, the current FA technical director, has been targeted by Brighton in a key appointment and there is a growing sense that he will depart in the next few weeks.

The Daily Telegraph revealed in June that Ashworth was attracting interest from clubs in England and overseas, with the 47-year-old only enhancing his reputation during the World Cup campaign for Gareth Southgate’s senior side.

Ashworth is thought to have been considering a return to club football for some time and Brighton are confident of agreeing a compensation deal with the FA.

Brighton are using a London-based headhunting agency, Nolan Partners, to assist in their search and it is understood that Ashworth is ready to leave the FA after six years in the post.