Newcastle United are once again looking for a new sporting director.
Paul Mitchell is leaving Newcastle United, with the 43-year-old stepping down from his role as sporting director at the end of June.
While Newcastle’s summer transfer plans will not change, the process has started to identify Paul Mitchell’s replacement.
Some Newcastle fans want Steve Nickson to get the job, 12 months after the head of recruitment was floated as an option by Amanda Staveley.
It remains to be seen if he will be in the running, with Newcastle not close to replacing Mitchell.
Demba Ba admired at Newcastle United
While the Magpies will likely take their time in identifying Mitchell’s successor, a familiar face has already emerged as a potential candidate.
According to the i Paper, Demba Ba is someone who has ‘admirers’ at Newcastle United.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
They add that the former Toon striker is a fan of the work that Eddie Howe has done at St James’ Park.
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During a recent interview, Ba praised Howe and tipped him to bring long-term success to Tyneside.
Since retiring from playing, Ba has turned his attention to being a sporting director. He has had a transformative impact at Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque, where he is director of football and minority owner.
His work there has garnered a lot of attention, with Ligue 1 club Rennes recently linked with appointing Ba as their new sporting director.
Demba Ba’s most famous Newcastle United interview
Ba only spent a season and a half at St James’ Park, but was very popular during his time on Tyneside.
He was a consistent scorer under Alan Pardew, with Ba netting 29 goals in 58 appearances before signing for Chelsea in January 2013.
During his spell with Newcastle United, Ba went viral for an iconic interview with Sky Sports.
Ahead of facing Manchester United at St James’ Park in January 2012, Ba confessed his love for strawberry syrup.
“I love syrup,” he said.
“You know what syrup is? Strawberry syrup. [I have it] every day. Always when I drink water I put syrup in it.”
He was then asked if it is good for him, to which Ba replied: “I guess!”
The 40-year-old clearly had his syrup that day, as he scored in a 3-0 win for the Magpies.