Paul Mitchell is a candidate for the sporting director role at Al-Hilal, talkSPORT understands.
Mitchell will leave his position at Newcastle United on June 30 having only replaced Dan Ashworth last July.
The 43-year-old is understood to have made a three-person shortlist, but Hilal could delay any appointment until a new manager is first in place.
The Saudi club are optimistic Inter boss Simone Inzaghi will join in time for their Club World Cup opener against Real Madrid on June 18, but have been unable to advance talks due to the Champions League Final. They expect an answer from Inzaghi in the next 72 hours.
Michael Edwards is another candidate for the role and Al-Hilal have approached, even though FSG’s CEO of Football is happy in his current role and made it clear he is not looking to leave.
Al-Hilal president Fahad bin Nafel reached out to Edwards directly to discuss a role similar to his current one at FSG, extending beyond only sporting director duties. The approach to Edwards stems from Al-Hilal’s desire to build a best-in-class sporting model.
Al-Hilal are expected to have a busy ten days in the 1-10 June window as they seek signings ahead of the Club World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes remains their top target, with the Manchester United captain given until Friday to provide a final answer.
talkSPORT understands Fernandes is giving the offer serious consideration, but that his family still needs some convincing.
Manchester United still insist they don’t want to lose their captain and are yet to receive any contact or bid from Al-Hilal.
The Saudi club could turn their attention instead to Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans if Fernandes turns down a move.
Hilal are also looking at Atlanta’s Ederson and Inter’s Nicola Barella as they also hope to add a central or defensive midfielder in addition, while a striker remains a key priority.
Mitchell only spent a year at NewcastleGetty Hilal are still pushing to sign Fernandes from Man UnitedGettyVictor Osimhen is the main target, and it is understood the Nigerian striker is open to a move to Saudi Arabia.
Some senior Saudi Pro League executives want Cristiano Ronaldo to join Al-Hilal and play in the Club World Cup, but those within the Al-Hilal hierarchy prefer Osimhen.
It is also unclear if Ronaldo would entertain a switch to Hilal – something the club’s CEO Esteve Calzada called ‘science fiction’ at the Club World Cup draw – with the Portugal international still in talks with Al-Nassr over an extension.
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