Saudi consortium set for talks with Man City chief as club eye double appointment - Report

North-East reporter Ian Murtagh has released an intriguing new piece for the Daily Star, revealing the current 'frontrunner' for the new Director of Football role at Newcastle United.

It's his understanding that the new owners on Tyneside are set to hold a 'second round of talks' with Jason Wilcox - Man City's current Academy director - and want a DoF brought in BEFORE they make a decision on Steve Bruce's replacement.

Wilcox is believed to be the favourite for the sporting director role at St James' Park, however the piece also reveals that we've held talks with Ajax's Marc Overmars - the Dutch legend who was heavily linked over the weekend.

Luis Campos - formerly of Lille and Monaco - is also believed to have been discussed by Amanda Staveley and other members of the board.

Back to Wilcox, he's a former Blackburn and England winger who initially worked for City's U18 side, having a big influence on Phil Foden's career - and earning huge praise from Pep Guardiola in the process for his work at their Academy.

So, could a new DoF be brought in soon to help step up the club's search for a new manager?

Considering any sporting director would have a big say on Newcastle United's footballing philosophies moving forward, it would make a lot of sense if someone was in place before we decide on Steve Bruce's long-term replacement.