Newcastle move for transfer guru who discovered De Bruyne and Lukaku after Overmars snub
Newcastle are still on the hunt for a new Director of Football.
Newcastle United have reportedly pinpointed Michael Emenalo as their top target to become the club’s sporting director in the coming days.
The former Chelsea technical director would take up the crucial role of transfer chief before the January window, where the Magpies are keen to reinforce their relegation-threatened squad.
Almost three weeks ago, Steve Bruce parted ways with Newcastle and Graeme Jones, a member of his backroom team, was placed in temporary charge.
Three Premier League games later, Newcastle are still without a win and are currently stranded five points from safety.
Eddie Howe’s official appointment is one step the new owners have taken to put the club on the right track, while the vacancy of sporting director is also expected to be filled soon enough.
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Marc Overmars was believed to be their primary target, although the Dutchman reportedly snubbed their approach to stay put at Ajax.
According to The Telegraph, Emenalo is now the Magpies’ ‘leading contender’ to fill the role.
He had been spotted in Saudi Arabia last week, where he was presumed to be holding talks with the club’s new owners.
The Nigerian served as Chelsea’s technical director between 2011 and 2017, where he spotted talents like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Negotiations are expected to be free-flowing during the international break, with the two-weak hiatus from action giving Emenalo some breathing room to bed in.