Dutch legend Marc Overmars is refusing to comment on suggestions he has been lined up by Newcastle United as the club's new sporting director.
The Magpies are currently reviewing their infrastructure and plan to appoint a football supremo at boardroom level to make key decisions and appointments at the Academy and training ground.
Former Arsenal star Overmars, who broke Toon hearts in the 1998 FA Cup final at Wembley to hand the Gunners the trophy, is reportedly in the frame for a role on Tyneside according to the De Telegraaf.
He has been director of football with Dutch giants Ajax since 2012.
Overmars has refused to comment on the speculation with the former Barcelona ace tied down to Ajax until 2024.
Newcastle are currently assessing managerial candidates such as Paulo Fonseca, Roberto Martinez and Eddie Howe.
However, whoever is appointed would be required to work hand in hand with a new sporting director.
Toon director Amanda Staveley was asked about sporting directors after being appointed and said: "We have thought about sporting directors and Directors of Football but we need to sit down with our board and look at what we have today.
"You can bring in the best Sporting Director in the world but you've got no infrastructure.
"Your medical staff, your training facilities, they need really heavy investment and that's what we need to know at every single level.
"We need to attract people to work with us as well who share our dream and will do that."
Newcastle have stated they have no further comment to make for the time being.
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