Newcastle include Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman on final shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth

Newcastle have included Dougie Freedman on their final list to replace Dan Ashworth as sporting director, according to talkSPORT.

Crystal Palace are aware of Newcastle’s interest in their transfer guru, who is also being mooted for the role of Manchester United’s head of recruitment.

The Magpies are looking to fill the role with Ashworth currently on gardening leave amid interest from Manchester United.

Although a deal is yet to be reached, Newcastle are considering life without the former Brighton and England chief, with Freedman emerging as a top candidate.

Freedman took on the role of sporting director at Crystal Palace in 2017 and played a pivotal role in attracting Patrick Vieira to the club as head coach.

Since joining the club, the Scot has built an excellent reputation for attracting emerging talent to Selhurst Park.

Freedman completed deals for talented duo Marc Guehi and Michael Olise while also successfully completing the 2021 loan signing of Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.

Freedman oversaw the signing of Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool for £26 million in 2017 – the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.

His other notable signings include the £18 million acquisition of Cheick Doucouré from Lens, Eberechi Eze for £16 million from QPR and the £15 million payment to Lyon for defender Joachim Andersen.

Eze and Olise continue to attract major interest elsewhere, and any potential move should see Palace make a huge profit on their initial outlay.

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Whoever lands the sporting director job at Newcastle will face the prospect of a big summer in terms of arrivals and departures.

This will include fending off interest in Bruno Guimaraes – a player on the radar of Arsenal and Man City – with the Brazilian having a £100m release clause in his deal.

Newcastle will also want to keep Alexander Isak, having offered him a new contract to entice him to stay at St James’ Park.