Paul Midgley turns down Manchester United offer to stay at Newcastle

Newcastle United’s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley has rejected the chance to join Manchester United .

The Red Devils have been looking to replace Luke Fedorenko, who played a pivotal role in signing top youth talents during his eight years at the club.

Fedorenko was instrumental in signing the likes of Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven, JJ Gabriel, Bendito Mantato and Jayden Kamason.

United wanted to keep him in the role, but the 35-year-old has accepted a new position with a major football agency .

The Premier League giants shortlisted Midgley to fill the vacancy ahead of a number of other candidates.

He boasts experience and has also previously worked with Jason Wilcox during their time at Manchester City.

But Midgley has decided to stay on Tyneside instead of joining United, per Daily Mail .

This is a blow for the Manchester outfit as he would have been an excellent appointment.

Midgley joined Newcastle in 2022 and has helped the club sign many exciting young players.

He was instrumental in helping secure a deal for Kyle Fitzgerald from Galway United earlier this year, despite interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The likes of Leo Shahar, Issac Moran and Alfie Harrison have all been signed under his watch at Newcastle.

Midgley previously worked at City as their Youth Scouting Manager for seven months.

He also served as Head of National Academy Recruitment at Leeds United between 2020 and 2022.