Five challenges newcastle are currently facing,Dan Ashworth one of them

Newcastle are facing a “complicated” summer with Dan Ashworth’s exit to be confirmed and a raft of major issues to sort out.

Eddie Howe’s side have found renewed energy and form with four wins and a draw in their last six league games, leading to renewed hope they can qualify for Europe again.

Reaching the Champions League remains an ambition but is an outside bet, while Europe League qualification would be a major boost as they look for extra revenue and an incentive to keep their top players for as long as possible.

There is renewed energy about St James’ Park after coping with an massive injury crisis with up to 13 players out, Ashworth quitting and wanting to go to Manchester United, and a dip in results.

With many players heading for a break to recharge in the coming days with next weekend off, what are the major issues facing Howe, director Amanda Staveley and the Saudi PIF ahead with a six game run in and a long summer ahead?

1. Dan Ashworth’s future

Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe says it is “nonsense” for Dan Ashworth to be on gardening leave, collecting a handsome pay cheque from Newcastle, and not being allowed to do his job.

It is indeed. But losing a key employee, with knowledge of Newcastle’s budgets, transfer plans and secrets, including release clauses, is a serious matter. And it comes at a price.

If the Red Devils want him, they will have to pay up. It’s a matter of business protection and pride to Newcastle. If Newcastle can get £10-15m for Ashworth, he can go.

This may appear to be the thorniest issue hanging over the club, but boss Howe reckons they are “functioning well,” and lining up targets for the summer, with chief scout Steve Nickson central, along with Howe’s nephew Andy, the Head of First Team Recruitment.

2. Who replaces Dan Ashworth as Director of Football?

A recruitment agency was hired to lead the process, and many soundings taken, some of which leaked and implied a scattergun approach.

But there is no rush. A like for like replacement is not guaranteed. Newcastle have trust in the current recruitment team to do a job, but also need an organiser to link up the key departments in the club.

Paul Mitchell has been linked. He has four years at Spurs with a good recruitment record including Son Heung-min and worked with Red Bull Leipzig and Monaco. Former player Hugo Viana and Paolo Maldini have also been linked, suggesting an interest, and a net spread around Europe.

3. Can Newcastle keep Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes?

Eddie Howe wants to keep all his best players “for as long as possible.” But it is not a media generated story that Newcastle could be a big seller as well as big buyers in the summer. Chief exec Darren Eales admitted earlier in the year that Newcastle are walking a PSR tightrope.

Isak and Guimaraes are world class. Newcastle are an upper mid-table squad without their star quality and ability to make a goal.

Isak is on the up – 21 goals so far this season – and irreplaceable. His value is £100m plus. He’d be brilliant for Arsenal. Or Man City if Erling Haaland was to go to Spain.