Newcastle United want former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto | OneFootball

Newcastle United want former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto at the St James’ Park club as their next sporting director, according to the Telegraph. The 40-year-old left the Gunners at the end of last season following a stint as interim sporting director, and he has been identified by Newcastle as a prime contender to replace Paul Mitchell. The Magpies are searching for a new sporting director after Mitchell left yesterday, and Ayto has impressed them following his work at Arsenal, where he spent a decade.

He started his career at the North London club as a scout and video analyst, rising through the ranks to become the right-hand man of former sporting director Edu. Ayto will help Newcastle manager Eddie Howe in the recruitment of players, negotiating contracts for players and working closely with the boss on long-term strategy for the team.

Dubbed ‘phenomenal’ by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Ayto was a contender to replace Edu permanently before the Gunners appointed Andrea Berta, and he has plenty of experience to help take Newcastle to the next level.