Newcastle United have active interest in Dougie Freedman deal – sources
Newcastle United have added Crystal Palace recruitment chief Dougie Freedman to their sporting director shortlist, sources have told Football Insider.
The 49-year-old Scot, who previously managed Palace, Bolton and Nottingham Forest, has been credited with much of the impressive work at Selhurst Park in recent years.
Freedman was linked with a potential move to Man United under the new Sir Jim Ratcliffe regime earlier this season.
Newcastle have now included him on their shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth due to his ability to buy and develop top young talent.
Freedman played a major role in bringing winger Michael Olise to Crystal Palace back in 2021.
Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Cheick Doucoure are among the high-profile stars to arrive at Selhurst Park since his appointment in 2017.
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Newcastle shortlist Olise talent-spotter to replace Ashworth
The Magpies are holding off on allowing Ashworth to join Man United until after they have secured a replacement.
It is believed the Tyneside club will back down in compensation negotiations once they have secured the appointment of a new technical director.
Ashworth was placed on gardening leave at St James’ Park in February.
Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table after a strong recent run of form.
The Magpies are planning reinforcements in the summer transfer window after an injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (6 May) that Newcastle are working on free transfer deals for Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.
In other news, Newcastle exploring deals with £2billion Saudi war chest.
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