Manchester City have poached Newcastle coaching analyst Mark Leyland, just 14 months after he joined the Magpies from Liverpool.
Leyland had spent nine years at Anfield, working for his boyhood club, having previously had spells with Everton and Burnley. He was part of the backroom staff which attempted to help the Reds battle City for numerous Premier League titles.
But now he will jump to the other side of that battle when he moves to the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season. Leyland has helped Newcastle to launch a surprise challenge for a top four place and reach the final of the Carabao Cup.
According to the Daily Mail, Leyland's work has impressed chiefs at the Etihad Stadium. And having attracted their attention, he will be handed a new international position working for the clubs throughout the City Football Group.
As well as Premier League side City, that group also includes New York City in the MLS and Melbourne City in the Australian A League. Leyland has been part of the team which has helped to transform Newcastle's fortunes from relegation battlers.
He first worked with Howe at Burnley, though left Turf Moor in 2013 to become a key member of Liverpool's data and analysis team. The Reds did not stand in his way when Newcastle approached him for a role.
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Leyland worked closely with the Magpies' squad and Howe is unlikely to be happy he is now leaving St James' Park. Last season he hailed the impact Leyland had made on the team following his move from Anfield.
"Like all my staff, he's had a big impact. He's played a huge part in what we've done this season. He's one of a number of people behind the scenes that have put a tireless amount of work in to try and improve the team," Howe said.
"We love him to bits and he's been an integral part of our team. I've spoken before about the infrastructure and we do need to improve what we deliver for our players.
"Certain aspects of the club need to evolve and change as we hopefully sign new players and develop the squad as we want to. These things can't be rushed and you have to do it properly so there will be a process that will take time.
"What time that takes? I don't know. There's lots of hurdles we have to go through. You can't just flick a switch but, hopefully, we will get there. The ambition is certainly there to do it and that's the most important thing."
City's move for Leyland comes after Newcastle poached Paul Midgley from the title challengers to become their head of youth recruitment at the end of last year.
