Eddie Howe could have say on what PIF do behind the scenes at Newcastle – journalist

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Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new sporting director.

With Dan Ashworth placed on gardening leave amid interest from Manchester United, PIF will have to make a new appointment in that department.

While Ashworth’s move to Old Trafford is not yet confirmed, it seems Newcastle are already making moves.

Indeed, according to journalist Dean Jones, the club have considered Paul Mitchell, who has previously worked with Tottenham, RB Leipzig and Monaco.

Now, some more insight into what life after Ashworth could look like for Newcastle has emerged.

Newcastle new sporting director: Latest news

The Athletic’s David Ornstein was asked about the matter during a Q&A on their website.

He confirmed the club already have “some names” in mind from England and abroad but stopped short of stating any particular individuals.

Still, Ornstein suggested Eddie Howe would be consulted. Though the Newcastle manager is unlikely to have the full say, it’s thought that Howe will have some input, as he did with the appointment of Ashworth.

Newcastle news: Club is bigger than Dan Ashworth

It’s obviously disappointing to see Ashworth depart after a relatively short amount of time at the club. The fact he’s joining a rival is even more frustrating.

However, Newcastle will move on from this. They signed the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier before Ashworth even arrived and it’s not as if every signing the club have made during his time on Tyneside have been an outstanding success.

Lewis Hall, after all, remains on the sidelines and Sandro Tonali’s move has not worked out as planned.

There are other sporting directors in world football. Ashworth is not the be all and end all. PIF are planning for an exciting future with the club and that was never likely to be based around just one man.

Newcastle will be just fine.