Newcastle United are eyeing Manchester United's chief operating officer Collette Roche as a potential candidate for their vacant CEO position, according to The Telegraph.
The Magpies are searching for a new chief executive following Darren Eales' decision to step down after being diagnosed with blood cancer last September. While Eales will continue in his position until a successor is found, the search has already attracted "considerable interest" from top executives in football.
Roche, who has assumed a much more hands-on role at Manchester United since the departure of former Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth late last year, has emerged as one of the leading candidates. Her work at United has not gone unnoticed by Newcastle's leadership.
The Manchester United executive has been instrumental in several major projects at the club, including the £50 million ($64.7 million) revamp of United's Carrington training base. Additionally, she is playing a significant role in United's ambitious new £2 billion ($2.5 billion) stadium project.
Newcastle's search has also reportedly linked former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham to the role, demonstrating the club's intent to recruit experienced leadership from within the Premier League.
While these behind-the-scenes developments continue, Manchester United are focusing on their upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest next Tuesday.
