Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle star on shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth as Toon’s next sporting director

AC MILAN legend Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle ace Hugo Viana are among the candidates to replace outgoing sporting director Dan Ashworth at St James’ Park.

Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave as the Magpies and Manchester United continue to negotiate a complicated deal that could see him moving to Old Trafford this summer.

Paolo Maldini is among Newcastle’s candidates to replace sporting director Dan AshworthGetty

Ashworth appears set to move to Manchester United this summerPA

The 53-year-old’s contract runs out in 2026 and United are trying to thrash out a compensation deal with the Toon who have demanded double the £10million offered.

According to inews, however, the Tyneside giants are preparing for the ex-Brighton chief’s exit by drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates.

Among them are Maldini, 55, and Viana, 41, who worked wonders at Milan and Sporting Lisbon respectively.

The Rossoneri’s legendary captain, who amassed a staggering 901 appearances at the San Siro where he also won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies during his 25-year stint, worked as technical director for his beloved club after retiring in 2009.

The Italian great was a major catalyst behind Milan’s young squad winning the Scudetto in 2022 and making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

The renowned defender has been out of work since June last year following reports of a falling out with club owners over the direction of the team.

Viana has also experienced tremendous success at Sporting during his six-year stint as director of football.

The former playmaker, who registered four goals and nine assists in 61 appearances during his four-year stint at Newcastle until his departure in 2006, was crucial in the Portuguese giants’ title triumph in 2021 – their first in 19 years.

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However, Paul Mitchell, who earned plaudits for his marvellous work at Southampton and Tottenham, is the Premier League giants’ first choice.

Benfica’s Rui Pedro and ex-Roma chief Tiago Pinto complete Newcastle’s shortlist.

The new sporting director is expected to work alongside manager Eddie Howe despite this season’s struggles as the 46-year-old tactician is still highly rated by the club’s hierarchy.