Former Newcastle boss Steve McClaren says the club needs to hire a director of football as matter of priority.

Michael Emenalo is reportedly the leading candidate for the job, however the Magpies' search could extend beyond January, as they look to conduct a thorough process.

Speaking to talkSPORT, though, McClaren thinks that his former side must appoint someone in the near future in order to provide Howe with the adequate support in day-to-day decision making.

He said: “I think Newcastle made a good appointment in Eddie Howe.

“I think they next need to get a good sporting director because behind the scenes, that's a tough one.

“Creating a DNA at Newcastle is going to be very, very difficult and will take quite a while. Eddie can't do it on his own, he needs the support of football people."