Newcastle shortlist Crystal Palace chief but face fresh battle with Man Utd - Report

According to an exclusive from The Mail's Craig Hope, Newcastle United have identified Dougie Freedman on their shortlist of contenders for the vacant sporting director position.

It's believed the Crystal Palace chief features on the club's final list of targets to replace Dan Ashworth. However, Man Utd are also keen on the Scot and would like him to join as their new head of recruitment.

Newcastle value his domestic experience, but it remains to be seen if the 49-year-old will end up at St James' Park, Old Trafford or remain in his role in South London.

Freedman has developed a reputation for signing top domestic talent in recent years and has been in his role at Selhurst Park since 2017, where he's helped bring the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise to the club.

Whatever happens, it seems our search for a new sporting director has reached the last few stages after recruiters Odgers Berndtson have sourced and put forward a three-man shortlist to the club ahead of final interviews.

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