Transfer notebook: Eddie Howe receives Newcastle backing, Barcelona plot Chelsea raid as Crystal Palace eyes Leicester star

Paul Mitchell is emerging as one of the leading candidates to replace Dan Ashworth as Newcastle's sporting director.

Mitchell is one of several contenders who have been talked to about replacing Ashworth, heading to Manchester Unitedand Benfica's Rui Pedro Braz and Roma's Tiago Pinto are also believed to be under consideration.

However, NewcastleThe preference to sign someone with Premier League experience is a positive for Howe, as talkSPORT has been told the Magpies are more likely to go the foreign route if they were considering a change in the dugout.

howe''s position was questioned in some quarters when Newcastle struggled for results earlier this year; However, he has credit in the bank after leading the St James' Park team to the Champions League last season.

After winning three of their last four, Howe's men are also back in contention for a European spot.

Mancunian Mitchell made a name for himself in Southampton before further Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham and was recently sporting director of Monaco.

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Eagle-eyed fox star

crystal Palace They are studying a move for the Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi is out of contract at the end of the season and, as it stands, will be available on a free transfer with the Foxes subject to an EFL. registration embargo for an alleged violation of financial regulations.

The 27-year-old Nigerian has scored three goals and provided five assists in 29
Championship games this season.

Ndidi may not be the only Leicester star on Palace's radar with a summer target Kelechi Iheanacho also reaching the end of his deal.

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Barça towards the future.

Barcelona seeks to revive its interest Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, talkSPORT understands.

Barca were one of the clubs interested in signing Chukwuemeka before he joined Chelsea in 2022.

The England under-21 ace has made just nine Premier League appearances this season and was an unused substitute in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

With playing time being so important to the 20-year-old's career progression, Barca believe this could be an important moment to take advantage of the uncertainty at Stamford Bridge.

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The Gers want Sima, that

Forest ranger are exploring the possibility of keeping Brighton striker Abdallah Sima on loan beyond the end of the season.

Sima has impressed since moving to Ibrox last summer, scoring 16 goals, including in the impressive Europa League win over Real Betis.

The Glasgow giants would be willing to make Sima's move permanent if they can agree with Brighton on an acceptable financial package.

The Seagulls paid £6m to sign Sima from Czech side Slavia Prague in the summer of 2021.

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