Milan legend Paolo Maldini and former Magpie Hugo Viana are thought to be on a list of possibilities compiled by a consultancy firm hired to help the Toon find a replacement for Dan Ashworth.
According to i Sport’s Mark Douglas, while Maldini and Viana are not considered the preferred options, they are part of Odgers Berndtson’s “wide net” strategy.
Viana played for the Toon from 2002 and 2006, scoring twice during that time. His transfer to Newcastle marked the first time super-agent Jorge Mendes had a huge contract with an English club. The 41-year-old is currently Sporting Lisbon’s director and played a key role in Bruno Fernandes’ 2020 transfer to Manchester United.
Maldini last played at St James’ Park in 2013, when he played for the Milan Glorie in Steve Harper’s testimonial game.
Douglas reports that, in addition to Maldini and Viana, the business has approached former Roman director Tiago Pinto, Benfica boss Rui Pedro Braz, and former Monaco man Paul Mitchell, who is considered the favourite to follow Ashworth as the Toon’s sports director. Tim Steidten, West Ham United’s technical director, is also reported to be under consideration.
“The appeal of Mitchell is obvious,” Douglas said. “Given his Premier League experience and the fact that, as a free agent, he would be required to serve a period of gardening leave himself.”
GET MORE RELATED CONTENT HERE
Leave a Reply