Man United clash with Newcastle for sporting director who signed Olise & Eze - report

Manchester United face competition from Newcastle United in the race for Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman, according to the Daily Mail.

The Red Devils want to hire Freedman as their head of recruitment, but their pursuit has been complicated by the interest of Premier League rivals Newcastle.

Freedman has emerged as a front-runner for the vacant sporting director role at Newcastle. 

The 49-year-old former player and manager started working as the club’s sporting director in 2017 after helping them to avoid relegation six years earlier.

His domestic experience and success in unearthing gems such as Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton, and Michael Olise make him an attractive appointment for the ambitious Magpies.

United hold long-standing admiration for the Scotsman, but their plans for a revamped recruitment department might face disruption. 

Man United are negotiating with Newcastle to release sporting director Dan Ashworth and expected he would oversee Freedman’s appointment as head of recruitment.

However, Newcastle’s search for a sporting director has thrown a spanner into the works for United.

When he arrived as co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe promised to hire the best in class to revamp the club’s often-criticised recruitment.

The club has already snapped up Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada from Manchester City and technical director Jason Wilcox from Southampton.

Freedman may be tempted to join this rebuild, but the lure of a leading role at Newcastle could prove too tempting for him.

Intriguingly, United may have an edge in the race for Freedman’s signature. 

Despite his excellent relationship with Palace chairman Steve Parish, Freedman’s family reportedly still lives in the Manchester area, which could sway his decision.