Paul Mitchell
Newcastle United's sporting director Paul Mitchell is leaving the club this summer
Newcastle United players have begun jetting off on their summer holidays, while others are linking up with their respective countries ahead of international fixtures.
However, the Magpies hierarchy will be hard at work in an attempt to strengthen Eddie Howe's squad this summer following a return to the Champions League.
The Toon will have to do so without a sporting director after it was announced that Paul Mitchell would be leaving the club at the end of the month, but that hasn't stopped the transfer rumour mill spinning.
ChronicleLive has taken a look at the latest Newcastle transfer news and rumours...
Paul Mitchell considered for new PIF role
Radio station talkSPORT claim outgoing Newcastle sporting director Mitchell is under consideration to land a similar role at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Mitchell is set to leave his role at St. James' Park on June 30 having only replaced Dan Ashworth 12 months ago. The report claims the 43-year-old is on a three-person shortlist, but an appointment is likely to be delayed until a new manager has been employed.
The Saudi club are keen on luring Simone Inzaghi prior to their Club World Cup opener against Real Madrid on June 18.
Chronicle Live says: "It's not necessarily a surprise to see Mitchell considered for the role at Al-Hilal given they're owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the same as Newcastle ."
Newcastle and West Ham in race to sign defender
Turkish media outlet Fotomac claims Newcastle and West Ham are set to do battle to sign Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde. Both clubs were mentioned in transfer reports last summer and said to have re-emerged as interested parties once again.
However, the 24-year-old has not played since injuring his cruciate back in October and is continuing his recovery ahead of the summer transfer window.
That being said, PSV and Napoli have also been linked with a move for the defender, who can play at left-back or in the heart of defence. Oosterwolde is currently under contract until the summer of 2027.
ChronicleLive says: "It's no secret that Newcastle want to sign a defender this summer, though Oosterwolde is not a name that has popped up in domestic transfer talk. Given the seriousness of his recent injury, it's hard to see the Magpies pushing to sign a player who has not played much football last season."
Magpies set for '£80million windfall'
Newcastle United could be set to land almost £80m after qualification to the Champions League this season, says football finance expert Stefan Borson.
“The Champions League could be worth a lot more than it was last season for Newcastle," Borson told Football Insider. “So, last season they only made £30million from UEFA.
“They obviously had three home games as well, but now it’s a more lucrative tournament. You have almost certainly got five home games, with that fifth game being either a play-off because you finished in the top 24 or alternatively you’re actually in the round of 16, so you’re going to get five games.
“You are going to get close to £80million, so it’s very lucrative before paying away certain additional costs like all the travel costs, bonuses and all the increasing salaries. There are things that cut across it at the cost level, but it’s very lucrative and far more lucrative than it was the first time around.”
ChronicleLive says: "Eddie Howe told journalists qualifying for the Champions League this season would be a game changer and with figures like this being touted about, it's clear to see why."