Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales will step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer, the Premier League club have announced.

The 52-year-old Eales, who joined the club in August 2022, will remain in his post until a successor is appointed.

Eales said: “Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club’s exciting journey.

“However, it has become apparent to me that now is the right time to make this decision so that I can prioritise my health and my family.

“In the short term, it will be business as usual in terms of running the club’s day-to-day operations, and I will give my full support to a transitionary period that will enable the board to carefully assess and appoint my successor.”

Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan said: “All of us who are connected with Newcastle United are very saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with Darren and his family and we send him every good wish for a full recovery.”