Newcastle United set to announce the capture of former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur transfer chief

Newcastle United set to announce the capture of former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur transfer chief

Newcastle United have shifted their focus to a prospective replacement for sporting director Dan Ashworth,

who was placed on gardening leave following ties to Manchester United.

Newcastle’s Next Sports Director

Ashworth appeared to be drawn away by Manchester United after only two years at St James’ Park.

The Red Devils and Newcastle are apparently negotiating a sizable compensation settlement,

as the Magpies prepare to lose one of the highest-rated sporting directors in the business.

CEO Darren Eales revealed Ashworth’s departure on the club’s official website,

saying: “We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, but our exciting journey continues,

and the process of recruiting a new sporting director will begin immediately.

” We appreciate Dan’s work at Newcastle United and wish him and his family well in the future.

Without him, PIF must go elsewhere at a critical juncture in their ambition,

having witnessed Eddie Howe’s side struggle in the current season after qualifying for the Champions League last year.

Newcastle are apparently aiming to expedite Ashworth’s departure before selecting his replacement,

in order to assure a quick return to European action next season.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have held internal negotiations with Monaco transfer boss Paul Mitchell after working with recruitment company Odgers Berndtson to act as an agent in reaching out to alternatives, with Steve Nickson leading the hunt.

Mitchell, who previously played for Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, is apparently looking to return to the Premier League.

Mitchell, who is now a board member at AS Monaco, does not have the same gardening leave as Ashworth,

which would be a nice boost for PIF and Newcastle if the 42-year-old is appointed.

With a hectic summer ahead, Newcastle must make the correct option in the search to replace the Old Trafford-bound Ashworth.

Paul Mitchell’s Best Signings

Mitchell’s best work was likely at Southampton, where Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman led the Saints to their best Premier League performances.

Mitchell, the Saints’ head of scouting, had a significant role in the recruiting that drove that ascent,

as evidenced by some of Southampton’s greatest signings between 2012 and 2014.

Paul Mitchell’s best signings	Year	Fee (via Transermarkt)
Victor Wanyama	2013/14	€15m (£13m)
Dejan Lovren	2013/14	€10m (£9m)
Sadio Mane	2014/15	€23m (£20m)
Fraser Forster	2014/15	€13m (£11m)
Shane Long	2014/15	€15m (£13m)

Mitchell has a proven track record of discovering excellent players at discount prices,

which is important as Newcastle look to improve their summer recruitment after failing in that regard last summer.

And, as the Magpies seek to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations,

bargains will be the name of the game, which their top target has become an adept at.

Replacing someone with Ashworth’s expertise is no simple assignment, as PIF will discover in the coming months,

but Mitchell is far from novice. With previous stops at Monaco, Southampton,

Spurs, and RB Leipzig, the post at St James’ Park would be just the latest outstanding addition to his resume.

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