Newcastle United set to complete shock double swoop on Premier League rivals Man City and West Ham United

Newcastle United are preparing to boost their backroom staff by taking key figures from Premier League rivals Manchester City and West Ham United.

One of the main priorities following the PIF-led takeover just under 16 months ago was building a stronger infrastructure across all levels at St James Park after the Magpies had functioned with a skeletal staff under former owner Mike Ashley.

Several key appointments have been made over that time with Darren Eales being persuaded to swap life with MLS side Atlanta United for a position as United’s chief executive officer and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Dan Ashworth has taken up a wide-ranging role as the Magpies sporting director.

It is the latter of that duo that is said to be focusing on strengthening United’s academy and recruitment staff and he has already made a significant move by appointing Paul Midgley as head of youth recruitment after he ended a seven-month stint working as Manchester City’s Northern UK scouting manager.

United are now set for another raid on the reigning Premier League champions after they reportedly agreed a deal to appoint Paul McLaren as their new head of UK Scouting across the Under-13s to Under-18s age groups. The former Oxford United and Luton Town midfielder worked in a scouting role at Arsenal following the end of his playing career and moved to City in 2015. The move to Tyneside is the latest between the two clubs after United analyst Mark Leyland agreed to join Pep Guardiola’s staff at the end of the season.

McLaren will not be the only new addition to United’s scouting network during the summer after it was reported West Ham United scout Delroy Ebanks is set to take up a role as the club’s lead scout in the south. Further appointments are expected to be made over the coming months as United look to enhance their chances of landing the most promising talents in the country ahead of their Premier League rivals.