Newcastle United ‘set to appoint new sporting director from Premier League rival’ with clubs ‘in talks over compensation package’

Newcastle United are set to appoint Ross Wilson as their new sporting director and are in talks with Nottingham Forest over a compensation package, according to reports.

Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed in June that Wilson was among the names in the frame to succeed Paul Mitchell in the crucial role at St James’ Park.

Wilson, 41, 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 for Newcastle, he has Premier League experience.

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

The Telegraph reports Newcastle are now on the verge of appointing Wilson, who has played a vital role in Forest’s resurgence over the past two seasons.

Manager Eddie Howe reportedly pushed for the appointment of Wilson, who spent two years at Forest

Elliot Anderson, Nikola Milenkovi and Anthony Elanga are among the signings Wilson worked closely on during his time with Forest, while he has also overseen improvements to the club’s academy and medical department.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has reportedly pushed for the appointment of the Scot, likened to Kofi Annan – the former UN secretary general – by one agent for his negotiating ability.

Howe’s relationship with Mitchell had been strained at times during his short tenure with the club.

Wilson’s impending departure also deals a significant blow to Forest and comes at a time where there are doubts over the future of manager Ange Postecoglou. 

Former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto had also talked with the recruitment firm tasked with finding Mitchell’s replacement. Ayto, 40, joined Brighton as their technical director last month.