Paul Mitchell’s intentions at Newcastle clear as high-profile exits expected amid criticism

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Paul Mitchell has no plans to leave Newcastle United in the near future, but there could be some high-profile departures coming at St James’ Park.

Mitchell arrived as the club’s new sporting director earlier in the summer, following Dan Ashworth’s switch to Manchester United.

Newcastle had earlier made Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman their top target but went for Mitchell having failed to land him.

Their summer of issues with landing targets from Palace continued as they couldn’t lure Marc Guehi to St James’ Park having failed to agree a deal despite weeks of talks.

Guehi continued to play for Palace during the outside noise about his future and has also continued his strong form in England colours.

Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell’s relationship

HITC understands that tensions between Mitchell and manager Eddie Howe rose over the summer, as it became increasingly likely that they wouldn’t land their top targets – a right-sided centre-half and a right winger.

Mitchell also criticised the club’s current scouting system claiming it was ‘not fit for purpose’, after his failure to land their big targets.

Sources have now told HITC that rumours suggesting Mitchell could leave were not accurate and that he was planning to stay.

Steve Nickson attracting interest

However, not everyone is likely to stay as HITC can reveal that Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson is attracting interest from other clubs.

We understand that some Premier League rivals and some European outfits are taking an interest in Nickson – who has helped mould Newcastle’s current squad, including playing a major part in their deals for the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.

READ MORE: Newcastle make England international ‘top transfer target’

Isak, who is a Sweden international, scored 21 Premier League goals last season and is already off the mark for the new campaign after Newcastle beat Tottenham before the international break.

On the other hand, Guimaraes has become a fan favourite since moving to the club in a big-money deal in 2022 and Howe named him captain this season replacing Kieran Trippier.

Nickson, who was keen to become Newcastle’s new sporting director before Mitchell took charge, is believed to be considering his options, particularly after the recent stinging criticism.