New Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell reveals his stance on Eddie Howe amid speculation linking him with the England manager’s job

Paul Mitchell says he wants Eddie Howe to stay at Newcastle – but could not close the door on him leaving for England.

The Magpies boss remains among the favourites to replace Gareth Southgate, and new sporting director Mitchell believes that is justified given the job Howe has done on Tyneside.

When asked if the club would reject an approach from the Football Association, Mitchell said: ‘We want Eddie Howe as our head coach for as long as we can. But we also recognise we are on a journey, and we also recognise his quality and his potential as well.

‘I’ve never been a guy scared of interest in any of our staff members, especially our head coach, and especially from a level of organisation that the FA is.

‘The way I look at interest is that it’s proof that someone’s doing a really great job. It’s a recognition of the two-and-a-half years he’s had here and the job he did at Bournemouth. It’s a fair recognition.’

Sporting director Paul Mitchell said that he wants to keep Howe but that he is not worried

For now, with no formal approach from the FA and Lee Carsley in interim charge, Mitchell is focussed on building a relationship with Howe at St James’ Park.

‘It’s a working relationship and it does take time,’ he said. ‘It has to develop trust within it. I’ve really enjoyed the interaction and we’re growing to work and learn together. I’m super positive because I can see why we can align for the success of Newcastle United.

‘What I’ve seen of Eddie Howe and how good a coach he is – he is super impressive on the grass, and I’ve got pretty good context with the ones I’ve worked with – and what I think I can bring to the table, I’m excited to see where that can take us.’

Mitchell, appointed in July, was also asked if he had the power to ‘hire and fire’ managers. ‘Am I involved? Yes. Will I have an opinion? Yes. Should I have an opinion? Yes,’ he said. ‘But in this current structure it will be dependent on multiple people’s opinions at a given time where that decision would be taken.’