Newcastle preparing double appointment, trio 'up for sale' & Steve Nickson set to stay - Report

Newcastle look set to appoint a new chief executive officer AND director of football in time for what promises to be a huge summer at St James' Park.

This comes from Mark Douglas' latest piece for i news, who reports that a new CEO will arrive in the comings months to help 'ease the pressure' on the club's current transfer committee.

Amanda Staveley admitted earlier this month that "some amazing applicants" have come forward for the role, but insists that she won't be going anywhere once their search for "the best CEO" is wrapped up.

Dan Ashworth looks set to become our new director of football once a compensation fee is agreed with Brighton, however the former FA executive 'won’t concentrate solely on recruitment', with our new owners set to be retained as head of recruitment.

As for outgoings, the i report that Dwight Gayle, Isaac Hayden and Ciaran Clark are all 'up for sale' and expected to be three of several departures this summer.

Hayden and Clark were left out of Howe's 25-man squad last month, while Gayle has either been injured or out of favour for a few seasons now.

They're not mentioned in this piece, but the likes of Federico Fernandez, Miguel Almiron, Karl Darlow and Jamal Lewis have also been linked with moves elsewhere at the end of the season.

So, it could be a summer of change on Tyneside, with big signings likely both on and off the pitch!