Newcastle United have identified Milan legend Paolo Maldini as a strong candidate to become their new sporting director, reports from England detail.

The former defender rose to prominence in management during his five-year spell as a director with the Rossoneri from August 2018 to June 2023, helping turn the club’s fortunes around and guide them back to the Scudetto. Maldini’s work in the transfer market was decisive, bringing in key stars.

Newcastle are on the hunt for a new sporting director following last month’s departure of Dan Ashworth, who is set to join up with Manchester United. Tiago Pinto, who is available after leaving Roma last month, has been linked with the Magpies job.

As reported by Mark Douglas of the i News, Newcastle want to have a new sporting director in place ahead of the summer transfer window and have added Maldini to their shortlist of possible candidates, appreciating his work at Milan.

Contact has also been made with Benfica’s Rui Pedro Braz, Sporting Lisbon director of football Hugo Viana and ex-Monaco director Paul Mitchell.

Read more about Maldini

Rincon reveals what he asked ex-defender after Italy’s win over Venezuela

Capello slams ‘disrespectful’ American owners: ‘First Maldini and now Mourinho’

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