Ex-Newcastle prodigy set to be unveiled by EFL club as Ashworth instigates ex-Magpies bosses' football return
Former Newcastle prodigy Ellias Sorensen is expected to return to English football
Championship newcomers Portsmouth are closing in on the signing of former Newcastle wonderkid Elias Sorensen in a shock summer move.
Portsmouth’s The News understands that Sorensen has already said his farewells to his teammate at Danish side Esbjerg fB as he travels down to the South Coast for a medical to complete a left-field move to Fratton Park.
News of Portsmouth’s interest in the 24-year-old became apparent on Tuesday when Danish outlet Tipsbladet reported that Pompey had made a successful offer in the region of £300,000.
Sorensen arrived at Newcastle as a 16-year-old back in 2016, with a strong reputation after becoming HB Køge youngest-ever first team player.
The Danish forward captured the imagination of many coaches on Tyneside after registering 20 goals in 24 appearances for the under-23s in 2018/19 and was even on the fringes of the first team squad as he appeared on the substitutes bench in a number of matches under both Rafael Benitez and Steve Bruce. Although he never actually got to play a first team game.
However, the hype surrounding the youngster took a huge hit in the years that followed after forgettable loan spells at both Blackpool and Carlisle United, where he failed to score in a combined nine appearances for the two clubs. In 2021 he quietly exited the North East to complete a move to Esbjerg for a nominal fee.
Sorensen has been a late bloomer in football terms, but his incredible tally of 26 goals and 15 assists in the Danish Second Division last term was enough to guide his club to promotion and recapture the interest of a number of European clubs.
Portsmouth have reportedly beaten off competition from a number of Danish sides to secure Sorensen’s signature, with the striker having unfinished business in English football.
The News claims the final touches of the deal are expected to be completed in the coming days, and once a work permit is in place, Sorensen will begin training with his new teammates as they prepare to compete against Leeds in their first Championship match for 12 years.
Dan Ashworth helps instigate former Newcastle bosses return to management
Former Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth is thought to have played a significant role in helping ex- Manchester United assistant coach Steve McLaren make a shock return to management with the Jamaica national team, according to Shields Gazette.
McClaren, who won just seven of his 31 games, during a dismal relegation season with Newcastle in 2015/16, has been out of football management since leaving Championship side Queens Park Rangers in 2019.
The 63-year-old, who failed to qualify for Euro 2008 as manager of England, had worked as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag for two-seasons and was on the touchline at Wembley when the Red Devils defeated Newcastle in the League Cup final in 2022.
However, McClaren saw his role reduced at Old Trafford this summer following Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s introduction to the coaching staff. McClaren did not travel with the first team for their pre-season tour of the USA and was instead left back in the UK to welcome back stars from Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
The New York Times understands that Ashworth made Van Nistelrooy’s appointment as part of his plans to change the coaching model, but wanted to make McClaren’s departure transition back into international management with the Jamaica national team as smooth as possible.
News of the former Middlesbrough’s League Cup winner’s return to management comes as a huge shock, given that Steve Bruce had been the clear favourite for the Jamaica job with most bookmakers.
Jamaica lost all three games at this summer’s Copa America and will be targeting qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
McClaren’s only previous experience at international level was a short-lived spell with England between 2006 and 2007 which saw him win just nine of his 18 games. Prior to that, however, he was credited with winning the League Cup with Middlesbrough whilst also reaching a UEFA Cup final during his tenure.