Newcastle United 'sound out' candidates for new director of football role after Saudi takeover – former Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United links

Newcastle United’s prospective new owners have already started work on securing a director of football to complement the Magpies’ managerial team.
Dalian Yifang's new head coach Rafael Benitez looks on during the Chinese Super League (CSL) football match between Dalian Yifang and Henan Jianye in Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning province on July 7, 2019. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT        (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)Dalian Yifang's new head coach Rafael Benitez looks on during the Chinese Super League (CSL) football match between Dalian Yifang and Henan Jianye in Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning province on July 7, 2019. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT        (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Dalian Yifang's new head coach Rafael Benitez looks on during the Chinese Super League (CSL) football match between Dalian Yifang and Henan Jianye in Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning province on July 7, 2019. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Not since the days of Mike Ashley’s transfer supremo Graham Carr have United had such a responsibilities filled. That came to an abrupt end when former manager Rafa Benitez won the bitter battle to wrestle sole control over incomings and outgoings at St James's Park in 2017.

The consortium, financed in main by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia but allowing the control of ‘footballing matters’ to minority shareholders PCP Capital Partners, are still awaiting regulatory approval from the Premier League, as they conduct their owners and directors test.

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The Gazette understands the process is coming to an end and a decision should be announced soon, although there is no set timeframe on any completion, with the would-be owners and fans alike having to play the waiting game.

Work has started behind-the-scenes though, with the expectation the green light will be given on the takeover.

And reports suggest Lille’s Luis Campos, who is set to leave Ligue 1, is a name that has been linked with a senior role in the new regime.

But it is understood Jose Mourinho has the Portuguese lined up to take up a position at Tottenham Hotspur, having had a move for Campos blocked when he was in charge at Manchester United.

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The managerial links and the director of football talk do not sit with the idea of appointing Mauricio Pochettino, who the Gazette understands wants total control over football matters, should he be offered the task of replacing Steve Bruce at United.

Owen Brown and Frank McParland are other names who have been mentioned in relation to United roles, which would point towards one man getting the manager’s job – ex-United boss Rafa Benitez.

RB Leipzig’s director of football Paul Mitchell, formerly of Spurs and Southampton, is another name who has been considered for the United post.

Manager Bruce is currently taking the United squad as normal and will see the season out, takeover or not.