Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Ramon Planes – but they could face competition for the ex-Barcelona man.
Newcastle have been chasing backroom additions ever since their takeover went through in October.
Eddie Howe is at least in as manager, but a proper football team is now needed behind the scenes.
A director of football should come soon, and Planes has been linked with joining Newcastle.
Marca reported earlier this month that Planes was planning a move abroad amid interest from Newcastle.
Planes had his Barcelona contract terminated last week, leaving his post as ‘technical secretary’.
Planes could still join Newcastle, but the Magpies suddenly face a major battle for the Spaniard’s services.
Newcastle face competition for Planes
Catalan newspaper SPORT claim that Planes now has interest from Roma, Bayer Leverkusen and a team in Russia.
Planes will seemingly take his time to make a decision, whereas Newcastle may want a director in quickly.
Planes, 54, was a trusted lieutenant of Mauricio Pochettino at Espanyol, with the duo later reuniting at Tottenham.
The Spaniard headed back to his homeland in 2015, joining Elche before moves to Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Barcelona.
Michael Emenalo is a prime candidate for the Newcastle job, and if the Magpies want Planes, they may need to pull out all the stops.
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