Newcastle United's Steve Nickson has the necessary paperwork to become their sporting director.

That is the view of Chronicle Live, stating that he may be a candidate to take over from Dan Ashworth.

The latter is set to leave for Manchester United, although a deal has yet to be agreed.

With Ashworth already on gardening leave, Nickson is one who is being tipped for a promotion.

The club have also promoted Andy Howe to the position of assistant head of first-team recruitment.

Now Nickson will discover if he will remain in his current role as head of first-team recruitment, or if he will move up the ladder.