Two weeks on from his arrival at Newcastle United, Ross Wilson will be bedding into his new sporting director role on Tyneside.
Where Paul Mitchell ruffled feathers and butted heads with Eddie Howe – if reports are to be believed – in his early weeks at the club, Wilson can hopefully slot in seamlessly and bring some stability to a position that’s been anything but settled over the past two years.
One deal he won’t have to work on is a new contract for Sandro Tonali, as it emerged yesterday that the Italian signed a ‘secret’ deal during his 10 month ban, extending his stay to 2029, with the option of an additional year.
However, talkSPORT report that the 41-year-old has made Sven Botman and Tino Livramento his top priority, hoping to see the defensive duo agree to new deals in the coming weeks and months.
They state that, as things stand, Newcastle are expected to have a ‘quiet January’ regarding incomings, but tying down two key players is a pressing matter for different reasons.
Botman has just over 18 months left on his current deal, meaning an extension would be welcome to not only protect his value and position at the club, as interested parties will soon circle if we allow the big Dutchman to enter the final year of his deal.
As for Tino, Man City remain interested in the versatile full-back, who is in line for a pay-rise given his impressive rise and inclusion in previous England squads under Thomas Tuchel.
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook suggests that Newcastle are confident both will extend, with the pair appearing happy on Tyneside and settled in the side.
Discussing Wilson’s arrival on Tuesday night, Eddie Howe said: “It’s the start of a new relationship. I’m excited for what Ross can bring the football club. I think he’s got a wealth of experience, he’s been involved with some huge football clubs.”
“I think just from our perspective, we need to build the infrastructure and the processes to make sure we’re successful for the long term. And Ross will be a huge part of that: transfer policies, academy, women’s game and making sure we evolve in the right direction.”
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