Newcastle are now considering giving senior figure a new job; he’s impressed a lot of people

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

Dan Ashworth is no longer involved at Newcastle of course, although his move to Manchester United is yet to be ratified.

Still, what’s done is done on the Ashworth front. No matter how long it takes for him to officially link up with the Old Trafford giants, his story at St James’ Park is over.

As you might imagine, plenty of names have been touted as potential successors.

Though both Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are seemingly set to move to Liverpool, the likes of former Tottenham and Monaco chief Paul Mithcell have also been linked.

However, according to journalist Dean Jones, Newcastle could potentially turn to someone closer to home.

Newcastle new sporting director: Steve Nickson latest

Jones hinted to GIVEMESPORT that the club were considering the idea of promoting head of recruitment Steve Nickson into the role, such is the impression he’s made behind the scenes.

“I’m told he really has been considered to step into the role that Dan Ashworth is leaving,” he said.

“Now this is something we have to be a little careful about speculating upon as there are different sources at the club suggesting different ideas at the moment, and I know they are definitely looking into at least two other candidates for that role.

“But Nickson has impressed a lot of people at the club in terms of handling recruitment issues and if Eddie Howe is going to be staying on as Newcastle then Nickson probably stands an even better chance, given he gets on well with him.”

Steve Nickson: Newcastle head of recruitment has already been involved in big transfers

Last month, The Daily Mail offered some insight into the kind of work Nickson has been doing behind the scenes.

They claim Nickson’s excellent relationship with agents and impressive depth of knowledge helped Newcastle get deals for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Kieran Trippier and Allan Saint-Maximin over the line.

Furthermore, he was even reportedly heavily involved in the additions of Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.

Whether or not that’s enough to make him an effective sporting director of course is up for debate. The fact is, though, that Nickson has played a key role in some excellent recruitment at the club already and reportedly has a close relationship with Eddie Howe.

With that in mind, promoting from within could be a wise way to go.