Former Brighton football chief Dan Ashworth is facing a wait until November before joining Newcastle United as sporting director.
The 51-year-old resigned as Brighton's technical director in February - he has since been on gardening leave - and negotiations over his release to begin work at St James' Park are continuing between the clubs.
However, unless there is significant progress, sources say a start date as late as November is looking likely, reports the Daily Mail.
That would leave chief scout Steve Nickson, co-owner Amanda Staveley and head coach Eddie Howe to oversee summer spending, as was the case in January.
Given Ashworth's remit will be far broader than simply recruitment, club sources are relaxed about that scenario should it be the case.
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