Ross Wilson agrees to become Newcastle United’s new sporting director | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest sporting director Ross Wilson has agreed to become the new sporting director of Newcastle United, according to journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

Newcastle have been without one since Paul Mitchell left the St James’ Park club back in June and have been trying to bring in a replacement for a while.

The Magpies are now in advanced talks with Forest over a deal to bring Wilson to the club having been keeping tabs on him since he was at Rangers.

Being without a sporting director made Newcastle struggle in the transfer market during the summer transfer window, and manager Eddie Howe will be glad to have Wilson.

Apart from his work as the sporting director at Forest and Rangers, the Scottish football executive also worked as director of football operations at Southampton and Huddersfield Town.

Wilson helped Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21 – their first in a decade – and did help Forest qualify for European football last season.

Newcastle are looking to establish themselves as regular challengers for major silverware on both the domestic and continental fronts.

They need someone like Wilson given his experience and track record, and a deal to bring him to SJP could be wrapped up in the coming days.

Newcastle were initially linked with former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto, but the 40-year-old joined Brighton & Hove Albion as their sporting director last month.

Wilson is now expected to succeed Mitchell and the Toons will hope he helps improve their fortunes on and off the pitch.

They have not had plenty of luck with their recent sporting directors, with Dan Ashworth leaving for Manchester United after just two years while Mitchell spent less than a year in the role.

Newcastle have started the new campaign on an average note and could look to add one or two players to their squad in January.

Wilson will be desperate to hit the ground running and fans will hope their manager and incoming sporting director will have a smooth relationship.