Newcastle United are getting closer to appointing Dan Ashworth’s replacement, and one of the leading candidates is very keen on the move.
The Magpies are currently looking for a new sporting director, with Dan Ashworth currently on gardening leave. That is because he has agreed to move to Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe poaching him from St James’ Park.
But the former FA chief is yet to start his new role at Old Trafford. That is because Man United have so far been unable to agree compensation with Newcastle United, who want to receive £20million in total for Ashworth.
That is a huge amount, and the Red Devils are unwilling to meet the Magpies’ demands ahead of a summer in which their transfer budget will be limited.
Newcastle close in on Dan Ashworth replacement
In the meantime, Newcastle United are searching for the person who will take Ashworth’s place at St James’ Park.
There are three leading candidates for the job, with Newcastle hoping to unveil Ashworth’s replacement by the end of next month.
The likes of Paul Mitchell, Tiago Pinto and Rui Pedro Braz are all in the mix, and have been interviewed multiple times as Newcastle United narrow down their search.
How Paul Mitchell feels about joining Newcastle United
Former Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur chief Paul Mitchell has previously been reported as the frontrunner for the job, and he would certainly be an exciting appointment.
That is the view of HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that the 42-year-old is really keen to become the Magpies’ new sporting director.
“Paul Mitchell wants it, he does,” he said.
“He’s massively in contention. They’re looking at their options, foreign and English.
“Mitchell’s that hybrid person who’s worked in England and worked abroad. Is he the best of both worlds? I think he sees himself as that. He’s a high class operator and an interesting option. I think he would be a good appointment.”
Mitchell would be a good fit at St James’ Park
It is a blow to lose Ashworth, as he arrived on Tyneside with a huge reputation. But Mitchell is just as big, if not even bigger.
He has built some incredible teams over the years, and was actually linked with the Manchester United job that Ashworth is going to get once compensation is agreed.
Mitchell has worked at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig and Monaco, and has oversaw some fantastic deals at every club he has worked at. He was the one to bring Dele Alli to Tottenham ahead of Newcastle, while he also signed current Toon star Kieran Trippier for Spurs.
The former Wigan Athletic and MK Dons player is a really reputable name in the world of recruitment, and it would be really exciting to see him arrive at St James’ Park.
He is keen on doing just that, so fingers crossed he is the one who the Newcastle United owners decide to appoint.
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