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Newcastle ‘flop’ rejected a return to St James’ Park this summer and is now in Man City’s sights

Lucas Arnold

Wed 9 October 2024 9:15, UK

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Just like Newcastle United experienced this summer, Manchester City will see significant changes to their backroom staff before the start of next season.

Upon the departure of Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford, Newcastle eventually appointed Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director.

Mitchell laﷺst worked at Monaco in ♑Ligue 1 after enjoying success at both Tottenham and Southampton before that.

Althoug♎h, Mitchell wasn’t Newcastle’s first choice option this summer, in fact he was actually the third candidate that the club approached.

That being said, TBR Football understands that Hugo Viana shunned a possible return to Newcastle this summer, someone who is now on Man City’s radar.

Man City target Hugo Viana as their new sporting director after Newcastle snub

Viana, who was labelled a ‘flop’ after making 64 apperances for the club following his 2002 arrival, was seen as a l💝eading contender by Newcastle to replace Ashworth this summer.

However, whilst Viana was ‘flattered’ by the option of moving to Newcastle – the 41-year-old opted to remain at Sporting CP, sticking with well-regarded head coach Ruben Amorim who also had interest from ab♑road.

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Instead, Newcastle then went for Dougie Freedman once Viana wasღ out of the equation but he also rejected a move to St James’ Park, meaning Mitchell eventually moved to Tyneside.

That being said, Viana is now in the sights of Man City, who have been doing theirℱ work on potential replacements for Txiki Begiristain.

Begiristain has confirmed to that club that he is retiring and TBR understands that he is playing a m൩ajor part in finding his successor.

Former Barcelona chief Mateu Alemany has been linked by Spanish sources, but it is believed that Viana is currently favourite for the role, who has impressed✤ since t♛aking the reins at Sporting back in 2018.

Paul Mitchell already making January plans for Newcastle

Given he is now in charge of ⛦plans at Newcastle, Mitchell is seemingly working hard to ensure that the January transfer window is more successful than in the summer.

Newcastle failed to strengthen their squad, ♒Eddie Howe arguably started the season with a weaker team than 🍨last, even if injury returns have helped the situation.

But Mitchell already has one January signing in mind, a player who was also on Newcastle’s radar in the summer according to r🌠eports.

So whilst Mitchell wasn’t necessarily the first choice on Tyneside, he’ll still be d🍸etermined to prove that he was the right appointment.

And after a relatively unsuccessful summer, there’s an obvious oꦜpportunity to improve things in two month’s time.