Newcastle target rival Premier League chief for vacant sporting director role – as Magpies continue search for Paul Mitchell’s successor

Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson is among the names in the frame for the sporting director vacancy at Newcastle, Mail Sport can reveal.

Recruitment specialists Nolan Partners are leading the search for Paul Mitchell’s replacement. He will leave at the end of June after less than a year in the role.

Sources believe an appointment remains unlikely before then, but interviews are set to take place with several candidates. Wilson and former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto are said to be among those who have had contact with Nolans.

While no decision has been made and there are other names being considered, it is that of Wilson which appears to have some support internally.

The 41-year-old has been Forest’s sporting director and chief football officer since 2023 having previously held similar roles at Rangers and Southampton. 

He is well thought of within the game and is seen as a professional operator. Crucially, and this is the remit Nolans are working to, he has Premier League experience.

Paul Mitchell (left) left the club after less than a year – and without making a first-team signing 

Newcastle’s owners are keen to learn by past mistakes, and the appointment of Mitchell by chief executive Darren Eales last summer was said to be rushed through after first choice Dougie Freedman turned down the club’s offer. 

Mitchell is yet to sign a first-team player and his relationships with several staff have been uneasy from the point of his arrival.

That is why the club will take their time in choosing the right successor, especially as Mitchell’s predecessor, Dan Ashworth, also left abruptly for Manchester United last year.

Ayto, 40, is another name mentioned in recent days, but it is not thought he yet has the experience for the role.

In the meantime, recruitment chief Steve Nickson and assistant Andy Howe will assume greater responsibility, with Mitchell now less than three weeks from his departure date.