Willie Donachie has emerged as a leading contender for the vacant Newcastle United reserve team post, according to the Journal.
Donachie has joined former England international Steve Stone and former Middlesbrough coach Martin Scott as contenders.
Hughton: “It is an important position which is why we made it a priority to have that job filled.
“The Academy is going to be an important part of the football club in the next few years and whoever takes over this position has got an important job to play.
“We have some excellent young players at the club and we want to give them every chance.
“At the moment we’re still finalising the appointment and I would expect to have someone in the job very soon. There have been some good candidates for the job but at this moment we still haven’t decided who it will be.”
Former Scotland international Donachie, who managed Millwall in 2006, joined Newcastle in January to work under Joe Joyce in the Academy and works extensively with the club’s Under-16 side.