Dan Ashworth makes key Newcastle United signing

Newcastle United have reportedly added to their recruitment staff with an appointment that could boost their hopes of landing the best young talent in South America.

Magpies head of recruitment Steve Nickson has been a regular visitor to Argentina and Brazil over the last 18 months and that has led to United being credited with an interest in several rising stars in both countries. Despite losing out to Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea in respective moves for Argentinan midfielder Maximo Perrone and Brazilian starlet Andrey Santos, Newcastle remain keen to keep a close eye on the South American market.

Spanish news outlet El Comercio have now reported the Magpies have reached an agreement with former Sporting Gijon assistant manager Borja de Marias that will see the 37-year-old become the club’s head scout in South America. Once sporting director at MLS club Chicago Fire, the report suggests De Marias ‘became known for his high knowledge of South American football’, which led to him working under former Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino at Argentine club Independiente and Spanish side Alaves.

De Matias has been out of work since he left Sporting Gijon in January after they parted company with manager Aberlado, but it now seems he will return to the game in a new role with Newcastle. The appointment is the next step in the Magpies hierachy’s attempts to strengthen their infrastructure as they look to identify the best young talent at home and abroad, as well as bringing in some high-profile additions to boost Eddie Howe’s squad.

The likes of West Ham United youngster Harrison Ashby and Australian international Garang Kuol have already arrived on Tyneside and United are reportedly showing an interest in Odense’s highly-rated young winger Yankuba Minteh, Brazil Under-20 striker Marcos Leonardo and Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga.