Newcastle identify Manchester United target Dougie Freedman as their Dan Ashworth replacement | OneFootball

Leave it to Manchester United to get embroiled in a saga for executive hires as well!

The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle United have identified Dougie Freedman as their preferred choice for a recruitment specialist.

The Magpies are looking to replace Dan Ashworth who has been sent on a gardening leave following his wish to leave for United.

However, he remains on leave after the clubs remain apart on the final compensation figure.

In the meantime, they are looking for replacements and current Crystal Palace man Dougie Freedman has emerged as their preferred choice.

There is an interesting wrinkle to this story as well, one which involves United again.

Freedman has also been mentioned as a possible target for United, who want him for a recruitment specialist role.

Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly is a fan of Freedman, who has led something of a youth revolution at Crystal Palace, punctuated by the successful hiring of Oliver Glasner this season.

Freedman could now be set to be the subject of a tug-of-war between Newcastle and Manchester United which will further infuriate the Toons.

However, the promise of a bigger role at Newcastle, where he would presumably be the lead man as Ashworth’s replacement, could swing the deal in their favour.

At United, he would likely be one of the members who reports to Ashworth, who will have Berrada overseeing the whole operation.

In any case, it should benefit United as if Newcastle get their man, Freedman in this case, they could be more inclined to letting Ashworth leave early from his leave.

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