Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell stands down from role ahead of exit with Andy Howe stepping up to assist Steve Nickson

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has stood down from his sporting director role with immediate effect – and Andy Howe has been asked to step up to work alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson.

It was announced last month that Mitchell would be leaving by ‘mutual consent’ at the end of June.

However, we understand the 43-year-old has now overseen a handover. He will depart after less than a year in the role and without making a first-team signing. The search for his replacement is being led by Nolan Partners.

As revealed last week, Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson is among the candidates and former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto will be spoken to by Nolan. We can also reveal that Julian Ward, Liverpool’s technical director, is another name in the frame. Interviews are due to take place.

In the meantime, the club have asked Andy Howe to work with Nickson as they look to build a squad capable of challenging on a domestic and European front next season.

Howe, the nephew of head coach Eddie Howe, joined the Magpies in 2021 as head of technical scouting before being promoted to assistant head of first-team recruitment. He has played a key role in the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento and is well thought of within the club. Nickson and Andy Howe will now absorb the tasks that would have been the responsibility of Mitchell.

Mitchell departed after less than a year in the role and without making a first-team signing

Andy Howe, nephew of head coach Eddie (pictured) has temporarily stepped into work alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson

Among Newcastle’s targets are Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and Brighton forward Joao Pedro. There has been little progress in recent days but it could be that the change among the transfer team accelerates their dealings.