Newcastle United plot second Nottingham Forest approach after Anthony Elanga deal
Newcastle United are without a sporting director following Paul Mitchell’s exit on June 30.
Newcastle United are plotting their second Nottingham Forest raid of the summer.
After securing the £55million signing of Anthony Elanga, the Magpies are reportedly set to make a move for chief football officer Ross Wilson.
Newcastle are currently without a sporting director after Paul Mitchell, much to the surprise of head coach Eddie Howe, stepped down from the position on June 30.
In Howe’s words, it left him doing things he ‘maybe wouldn’t have normally done’ after stepping up to lead the club’s transfer business alongside recruitment chiefs Steve Nickson and Andy Howe.
Newcastle United currently without sporting director
“It's been a busier summer in that respect than I wanted,” Howe admitted after Saturday’s 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic. “I think naturally, with Paul leaving, that left a hole in terms of that role. And of course, someone in that role fuels a lot and protects the manager from a lot of things really.
“Of course his departure left that open then for me to do some things maybe that I wouldn't have normally done. The summer certainly wasn't a relaxing one for me to switch off and see what happens.
“I was constantly on and constantly trying to help in terms of off the field and making sure that we're prepared and ready for the new season.
“So it's been a challenging summer in that respect. But the most important thing is how the squad looks as we enter the last week of pre-season, going into the season.We need to make sure we're strong enough for a long campaign ahead.”
Mitchell’s departure was announced just two days after the 2024-25 season came to an end.
Howe added:” Yeah, well, my phone exploded. I think I was enjoying my second day of my holiday and that quickly went sour because then suddenly I'm like, oh.
“So yeah, it was the second day. I didn't know. It was a complete surprise to me and a big disappointment because we had stability.
“We were planning the summer ahead. And then, you know, that's a big upheaval internally that we've been through before with Dan Ashworth leaving. So I've experienced before, and I know sort of the cost that that departure comes with.
“So yeah, it wasn't, wasn't a good first couple of days on holiday for me.”
Newcastle United identify Paul Mitchell successor
Having this week appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as technical director and recently promoted Jack Ross to head of football strategy, Newcastle hope to have a sporting director in place soon.
And according to The Athletic, United have identified Wilson as their preferred choice and are expected to offer him the position. The 41-year-old is said to already have a good relationship with Howe, who has been involved in the appointment process.
Wilson has been at the City Ground since 2023 and has overseen Forest’s transformation from battling relegation to qualifying for the Europa League. Before that, he worked at Rangers for four years in which the Scottish club won its first league title for a decade and reached the Europa League final.
No official approach has been made to Forest, who will be entitled to a compensation package.