Eddie Howe addresses Newcastle United’s sporting director search as new owners hit back at recent reports

Eddie Howe will embrace working with whoever lands the sporting director role at Newcastle United.

Reports earlier this week claimed former Chelsea and Monaco technical director Michael Emenalo had turned down the chance to join the Magpies.

However, part-owner and director Mehrdad Ghodoussi swiftly rubbished that claim, 24 hours after the first victory of the season over Burnley.

He tweeted: “Contrary to a newspaper report, Michael Emenalo was never offered the job of Sporting Director or Director of Football at Newcastle United. #NUFC #FactsMatter”.

Indeed, United’s search to fill the position may not end until after January, with a huge importance on employing the right person for such an integral role.

In the meantime, head of recruitment Steve Nickson will work closely with Howe to identify targets ahead of next month’s transfer window.

‘I’ll work with whoever the club choose’

When asked about the club’s sporting director hunt, Howe said: “I have no update.

“I don’t really think it’s for me to update you on that, I think that’s above me.

“I’ll work with whoever the club choose for that role and be excited to do so. It’s ultimately a position that the club want to fill and I embrace that.

“But my focus is on coaching the team.”