Dougie Freedman is on Newcastle’s shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth as sporting director… but the Magpies could face competition from Man United
- Mail Sport understands he is a contender for key role at St James’ Park
- Can Arsenal win a Progress Trophy? The Gunners have recovered, but the final obstacle remains: listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Dougie Freedman is a candidate for the role of Newcastle sporting director, Mail Sport can reveal.
We understand the Crystal Palace chief is on the club’s shortlist as the process enters its final stages.
Freedman has held the same position at Selhurst Park since 2017 and is highly regarded in Premier League circles. His national experience is seen as essential by those leading Newcastle’s research.
We reported last month that recruitment experts Odgers Berndtson had been tasked with sourcing candidates, and representatives from the club’s ownership group and management team have since met with some of the candidates. Freedman, 49, is on the final list of names.
The former Palace striker sat behind owner Steve Parish at Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening as their side beat Newcastle 2-0. Members of the Magpies hierarchy, including co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi and chief executive Darren Eales, were also in the directors’ box.
Dougie Freedman has emerged as a contender for the role of Newcastle sporting director.
Freedman remains a target of Manchester United, who are in negotiations with Newcastle over the release of sporting director Dan Ashworth. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group are believed to want Freedman to be in charge of recruitment.
United are long-time admirers of the Scot, and the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director and the expected arrival of Ashworth have not deterred them from joining the senior squad.
Freedman played a key role in identifying and signing Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise for Palace, and they form a trio now being courted by several of the Premier League’s leading clubs.
