Newcastle are set to make the first significant appointment of the new Saudi-led regime, with Elliott Dickman taking over as Under-23s coach after 26 years at North-East rivals Sunderland.
Sportsmail can reveal that the 43-year-old will fill the role that has been vacant since August, when Chris Hogg left to become assistant manager at MK Dons.
Academy chief Steve Harper has led the search and has interviewed several candidates, including former Magpies striker Shefki Kuqi.
Newcastle are set to appoint long-term Sunderland man Elliott Dickman as their U23s coach
But it is Dickman who has landed a position that is set to become integral to the future of the club, given the want of the new owners to invest in youth development.