A key agreement has been struck as Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe prepare for January

Newcastle United fans had to endure a lot of negativity over the summer with boardroom changes and a poor transfer window combined with story after story suggesting a 'civil war' was breaking out in the club ranks.

New sporting director Paul Mitchell was said to have upset Eddie Howe by his mere presence as the media made as much up as they could to sew the seeds of discontent at Newcastle all summer.

Thankfully the narrative is changing now and after 'clear the air' talks all is reportedly well between the two parties and both have worked out a way to work together.

In truth, it's likely to have been the same case no matter who was involved. When two people with opposing views have to work together, there was always going to be an adjustment period while the two got used to each other and came up with a strategy of how to work together.

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Eddie Howe will get the last word on recruitment

In a report in the i, Mark Douglas has reported that there has been an arrangement made which will likely have been what's allowed Mitchell and Howe to move forward.

"A red line has been established that no player will be signed without Howe’s absolute approval."

This is really all Howe wanted, and it makes sense. What manager wants to be blindsided by signings they have no clue about? It didn't go down well with Kevin Keegan when it happened at Newcastle under Mike Ashley.

Howe needs to realise he can't control everything

Mitchell will still want to stamp his authority on things and will no doubt come to Howe with players who weren't on the pre-approved list, but it seems that Howe will still get a say in matters and he can't really ask for much more than that.

There's also a suggestion that Howe is a bit too controlling and likes to have all the power, so having some wrestled away from him may upset him, but it's probably in the best interest of the club.

One man wielding all the power is never a good idea so it's time for Howe to let go of a few things and accept help from his peers.