Change is on the cards at Newcastle United as sporting director Paul Mitchell prepares to leave St James’ Park in the coming weeks.
Paul Mitchell, who only joined Newcastle United last July, is departing the Premier League club by mutual consent, and will leave at the end of June.
The 43-year-old oversaw the signings of Odysseas Vlachodimos, William Osula, Lloyd Kelly – who has already left for Juventus – and John Ruddy.
Speculation is abounding over why Mitchell is leaving and what Newcastle are set to do next both in terms of a replacement and in the transfer market.
Now, a report has emerged which shares what Mitchell is determined to do before he leaves Newcastle.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Paul Mitchell determined to make at least one key signing for Newcastle before leaving
The Telegraph noted how Mitchell hasn’t been able to make a high-profile signing in his time at the club, and claimed he is determined to make at least one key signing before he steps down.
It’s said to be ‘business as usual’ at Newcastle, though it’s hinted that Mitchell is aware he has not had the impact he would have liked in his short time at the club.
The report claims that concerns about profit and sustainability rules blocked his attempts to recruit, but Mitchell is now eager to remedy this.
He has been heavily involved in the identification of targets alongside Howe, his nephew Andy and head of recruitment Steve Nickson, added the report.
READ MORE: Newcastle may have already lined up their Paul Mitchell replacement in March after announcement from PIF club
Who Newcastle could sign this summer
The report spoke of Newcastle having identified a number of key targets this summer, such as Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
This time around, Guehi only has 12 months left on his contract, with the England international seemingly having no intention of signing a new deal.
TBR Football understands that Newcastle are also keen on Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Newcastle are also eyeing Marseille winger Jonathan Rowe.
It has also been reported that Liverpool talent Harvey Elliott is in Newcastle’s sights.