Man City deliver blow to Newcastle United by agreeing deal for key man ‘loved’ by Eddie Howe

Manchester City have reportedly poached Newcastle United’s first-team coaching analyst Mark Leyland.

The Daily Mail have reported the former Liverpool analyst will end his 14-month spell on Tyneside at the end of the season after joining Eddie Howe’s backroom staff midway through last season.

The Magpies boss praised the impact Leyland had made following his arrival and revealed the part he had made in helping turn around his side’s fortunes throughout the second half of the season as United burst out of the relegation zone and secured a mid-table finish in the Premier League.

Speaking towards the end of last season, Howe said: “Like all my staff, he’s had a big impact. He’s played a huge part in what we’ve done this season.

“He’s one of a number of people behind the scenes that have put a tireless amount of work in to try and improve the team. We love him to bits and he’s been an integral part of our team.

“I’ve spoken before about the infrastructure and we do need to improve what we deliver for our players. Certain aspects of the club need to evolve and change as we hopefully sign new players and develop the squad as we want to.”

Leyland initially worked under Howe during his time at Burnley before going on to spend time with Everton and Liverpool. His work with the latter of that trio and during his time at St James Park is believed to have captured the attention of key individuals at the Etihad Stadium and it is said Leyland will be handed a ‘new international position’ working across a number of clubs within the City Football Group at the end of the season.