Newcastle United’s takeover saga continues to rumble on, with no real indication of whether the Saudi-led bid will be successful.
The Magpies are still planning for next season, but with their takeover fate not yet known, there is a lot of uncertainty at St James’ Park.
The rumours of potential incomings have slowed down due to the takeover situation, with big-name managers and players no longer being touted for moves to Tyneside.
Newcastle may also seek a sporting director under a new regime, but one of the names linked for that post has now moved elsewhere.
El Desmarque reported in April that the Saudi-led group were eyeing Pablo Longoria as the club’s new sporting director, in what would have been a return to Newcastle.
The 33-year-old worked as a scout at Newcastle during the 2007-08 season before heading onto Recreativo de Huelva, Atalanta, Sassuolo and Juventus.
Most recently sporting director at Valencia, the Spaniard would have been a fascinating appointment for Newcastle – but they have missed out on bringing him back to the club.
Marseille have confirmed that they have appointed Longoria as their new director of football, replacing Andoni Zubizarreta.
Longoria will now look to recruit for Andre Villas-Boas at Marseille, and leaves Newcastle to look elsewhere if they still want a sporting director at some point this summer.
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