Steve Hitchen is reportedly a contender to become Newcastle United’s director of football.
The Magpies navigated their way through the tricky waters of the January transfer window without a DOF – a decision that was questioned by some.
But Newcastle ended the month with five new signings, including the blockbuster arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.
The club will still be bringing in a director of football, however, and a decision is expected soon according to the Mirror.
And Hitchen is a new name to enter the frame. According to the Independent, the Magpies are considering a move for the 45-year-old.
Hitchen was with Tottenham, but left his role in North London yesterday after seeing his influence deplete.
The report adds that Leicester are also interested in the former Macclesfield defender. However, Everton reportedly lead the race to secure his services.
Steve Hitchen has a keen eye for talent
In the early 2000s, Hitchen worked with Tottenham as a scout. He was reportedly influential in the deal to bring Luka Modric to White Hart Lane in 2008. That’s a transfer Toon fans know all about, as the Croatian superstar was initially set to join Newcastle.
He was also chief scout at Liverpool when the Reds signed Andy Carroll from us for £35million.
Hitchen returned to Tottenham and formed a strong relationship with Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, and a similar partnership with Eddie Howe could be massively beneficial for the Magpies.
Whoever Newcastle bring in needs to dovetail with Toon boss Howe. Plenty of names have been linked, and Hitchen is another to add to the list.
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