Paul Mitchell already working on potential deals as Newcastle United eye £60m winger

Mitchell was confirmed as Dan Ashworth’s successor on Thursday morning just days after the Magpies finally agreed a compensation package with Manchester United to release Ashworth from his contract.

Ashworth was first placed on gardening leave by Newcastle in February but the five-month stand-off has helped secure the services of the hugely impressive Mitchell.

A major coup for Newcastle United

The 42-year-old started in scouting and recruitment, initially at MK Dons, before prominent roles at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, Red Bull Soccer International and AS Monaco.

His recruitment success as director of scouting and analysis at Southampton helped the club to secure promotion back to the Premier League and become regular competitors in the top half of the table, despite having a lower budget.

Mitchell further cemented his reputation during a successful spell as head of recruitment at Tottenham Hotspur, where he signed the likes of Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and Son Heung-min. He worked closely with Mauricio Pochettino, similar to the pair’s time at Southampton.

He then joined RB Leipzig in 2018 as head of recruitment and club development, combining traditional scouting with data-driven analysis, before moving into a new role as technical director in Red Bull's global football division.

Paul Mitchell already working on potential deals

iNews claims Newcastle first contacted Mitchell in March but he declined, leading to the pursuit of Dougie Freedman who later decided to remain at Crystal Palace. But key to persuading Mitchell to change his mind was giving him greater control over recruitment.

While Ashworth’s role was strategic and club-focused, Mitchell is expected to take charge of transfer business. The same publication notes “Newcastle officials privately expressed delight at success in keeping the appointment secret, not least because as an unattached executive Mitchell has been able to work on potential deals in the background this summer.”

A familiar named linked

It’s understood Newcastle retain an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto.

Eddie Howe’s men are prepared to spend big on a right-sided attacker this summer. Neto scored three goals and provided 11 assists last season but was restricted to just 24 appearances because of injury.

His price tag is reportedly set at £60million with Liverpool and Arsenal also linked.