Dan Ashworth, who expressed his intention to sign with Manchester United, is currently on gardening leave.
The future sporting director of Newcastle United will be one of three people: former Monaco manager Paul Mitchell, Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz, or former Roma manager Tiago Pinto.
After Dan Ashworth made it apparent that he intended to join Manchester United, the Toon managers wasted little time in trying to find a replacement. According to a club statement, the process of finding his replacement started “immediately” and was carried out painstakingly behind the scenes.
There were rumors that respected St. James’ Park head of recruitment Steve Nickson may be granted more authority for the next window. The 59-year-old’s aptitude for identifying potential was essential to Newcastle’s survival both in the early days following the takeover and under Mike Ashley.
The Daily Mail is now claiming that an appointment is expected after the shortlist of candidates was down to just three names. The front-runners, Mitchell, Pedro Naz, and Pinto, went through a protracted interview procedure.Before the final decision, the article indicates that each contender underwent a rigorous grilling, with up to three interviews. Yasir Al-Rumayyan has not yet met with either candidate, but he will probably have the last word, much as he did with Eddie Howe after Steve Bruce was fired.
The emphasis will then shift to expediting Ashworth’s departure prior to the summer transfer window. Man United is keen to position their man, particularly as Erik ten Hag’s future is still uncertain.It is believed that in an attempt to resolve the standoff over a compensation package, Sir Jim Ratcliffe visited with Amanda Staveley in recent weeks. The Magpies haven’t changed their asking price of £20 million as of yet.