Neil Redfearn is in pole position to become the new boss of Newcastle United Under 23s, Sportsmail understands.

The former Leeds manager spent a brief period at the club earlier this season as he assisted Under 23s coach Ben Dawson, who had stepped up in the wake of Peter Beardsley’s absence amid the investigation into allegations of racism and bullying against the former England star.

Redfearn has also worked as manager of Rotherham as well as the women's teams at Doncaster and Liverpool.

Neil Redfearn is in pole position to become the new boss of Newcastle United Under-23s

Dawson has now moved into a new academy role as head of coaching and it is Redfearn who we understand is in line to take over the Under 23s having interviewed for the vacancy in recent weeks.

Former Newcastle favourite Lee Clark was also in the running for the position.