'Absolutely key' - Newcastle United recruitment change confirmed as £167m transfers agreed

Eddie Howe has explained the recent change surrounding Andy Howe's position at Newcastle United.

Andy, who is Eddie's nephew, announced via LinkedIn last week that he had become the club's assistant head of recruitment having previously been head of technical scouting since arriving in December 2021.

With the news coming in the aftermath of Dan Ashworth's departure as sporting director, it was rumoured to be a reshuffle ahead of the summer transfer window, however the Magpies' head coach has denied that is the case.

Instead, he says it is a title change rather than a role change to reflect the input Andy has regarding transfers.

"It's been a title change, not a role change," confirmed Howe. "His role has always been very prominent in recruitment.

"He obviously joined us when we first came into the club, he came with us. He's played a huge part in the recruitment of some key players. When I look at the role in recruiting Bruno [Guimaraes], Tino [Livramento], Sandro [Tonali], Harrison Ashby, Anthony Gordon, he was absolutely prominent in those key signings for the football club.

"He's done an outstanding job and as I say, the title change is just recognition for what he has done."

So there hasn't been a post-Dan Ashworth reshuffle?

"No," Howe replied. "Dan's exit hasn't change anything regarding our recruitment processes, how we recruit, the methods which we use. So that's been totally unaffected."

With Ashworth on gardening leave and Manchester United still yet to agree a compensation package, both Howes are planning for the summer transfer window alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson.

Similar to Newcastle's first transfer window (January 2021) under the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi will lead player negotiations.