EXCLUSIVE
Paul Mitchell is emerging as one of the leading candidates to replace Dan Ashworth as Newcastle’s sporting director.
Mitchell is one of a number of contenders who have been spoken to about replacing Manchester United-bound Ashworth, with Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz and Roma’s Tiago Pinto also believed to be under consideration.
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However, Newcastle’s preference to hire someone with Premier League experience is a positive for Howe, as talkSPORT have been told the Magpies are more likely to go down the foreign route if they were considering a change in the dugout.
Howe’s position was questioned in some quarters when Newcastle were struggling for results earlier this year, however he has credit in the bank after leading the St James' Park side into the Champions League last season.
After winning three of their last four, Howe’s men have also put themselves back in contention for a European finish.
Mancunian Mitchell made his name at Southampton before following Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham and was most recently sporting director at Monaco.
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Foxes star Eagle-eyed
Crystal Palace are eyeing up a move for Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
Ndidi is out of contract at the end of the season and as it stands, will be available on a free transfer with the Foxes subject of an EFL registration embargo for an alleged breach of financial rules.
The Nigerian, 27, has scored three goals and provided five assists in 29
Championship games this season.
Ndidi may not be the only Leicester star on Palace’s radar with summer target Kelechi Iheanacho also coming to the end of his deal.
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Barc to the future
Barcelona are looking to reignite their interest in Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, talkSPORT understands.
Barca were one of a number of clubs keen on signing Chukwuemeka before he joined Chelsea in 2022.
The England under-21s ace has made just nine Premier League appearances this season and was an unused substitute for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.
With game time so important for the 20-year-old’s career progression, Barca believe this can be an important moment to take advantage of the uncertainty at Stamford Bridge.
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Gers want Sima-that
Rangers are exploring the possibility of keeping on-loan Brighton forward Abdallah Sima beyond the end of the season.
Sima has impressed since moving to Ibrox last summer, scoring 16 goals, including in the impressive Europa League win at Real Betis.
The Glasgow giants would be keen to make Sima’s move permanent if they can agree an acceptable financial package with Brighton.
The Seagulls paid £6million to sign Sima from Czech side Slavia Prague in the summer of 2021.
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