Newcastle handed major blow in their pursuit of a new sporting director to replace Man United-bound Dan Ashworth - as Dougie Freedman signs a new deal with Crystal Palace

The 49-year-old was considered the frontrunner for the role at St James' Park Have Chelsea offered Manchester United a way out of the Erik ten Hag darkness through Mauricio Pochettino's exit? - Listen to the It's All Kicking Off! Podcast

Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has doubled down on his commitment to the south London club by signing a new deal in the face of keen interest from Newcastle.

Freedman was considered the frontrunner to take over the vacancy at Newcastle as Dan Ashworth prepares for a prospective move to Manchester United.

Mail Sport reported at the start of the month that Freedman was one of three final candidates being discussed by the club, who are currently negotiating with their Premier League rivals United while Ashworth is on gardening leave.

Newcastle are believed to have been informed of Freedman's decision and must continue their hunt for a sporting director who can lead the club's strategy during the upcoming transfer window.

As recently last night, Eddie Howe's side are believed to have been confident they would secure Freedman - before he put pen to paper to stay with her current club.

Dougie Freedman is set to stay at Crystal Palace despite strong interest from Newcastle

Dougie Freedman is set to stay at Crystal Palace despite strong interest from Newcastle

Eddie Howe's side are keen to replace outgoing sporting director Dan Ashworth (pictured) who is currently on gardening leave

Eddie Howe's side are keen to replace outgoing sporting director Dan Ashworth (pictured) who is currently on gardening leave

Podcast All episodes
  • EPISODE 89: Why Manchester City aren't the reason the League is boring
    EPISODE 89: Why Manchester City aren't the reason the League is boring
  • 'It hasn't worked!' Is VAR the problem or the solution?
    'It hasn't worked!' Is VAR the problem or the solution?
  • EPISODE 87: Why United must tear down Old Trafford and move to Wembley
    EPISODE 87: Why United must tear down Old Trafford and move to Wembley
  • PODCAST: How many Manchester United players get in the Arsenal team?
    PODCAST: How many Manchester United players get in the Arsenal team?
  • PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode of 'It's All Kicking Off!'
    PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode of 'It's All Kicking Off!'
Play on Apple Spotify

Freedman has been at Palace since 2017 and helped recruit crucial young players for the current squad including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton.

Read More

EXCLUSIVE

How Dan Ashworth tried to cover his tracks after accidentally revealing to Newcastle that he was speaking to Man United… before claiming Eddie Howe had made his position untenable

article image

The former striker's terms are thought to have been improved with his new deal amid Palace's battle to keep hold of their employee.

Ashworth informed Newcastle of his wish to join Manchester United as their new sporting director in February and was placed on gardening leave, a period that minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suggested expires towards the end of 2025.

In a blunder revealed by Mail Sport on Tuesday, Newcastle's sporting director sent an email in early February to Omar Berrada - the incoming Man United chief executive - in which he made it clear he wanted to accept the offer of the same role at Old Trafford.

However, Ashworth sent a blind copy to his Newcastle email address before apparently realising the error and deleting the evidence. At this stage, Man United had not approached Newcastle and Ashworth had not informed his employers of the clandestine talks with a rival.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) is keen for Ashworth to begin work at Man United as soon as is possible

Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) is keen for Ashworth to begin work at Man United as soon as is possible

The subsequent discovery of the email by the club is embarrassing for Ashworth and Berrada, who was still on gardening leave from Manchester City. It could lead to a Premier League probe if a complaint is made.

In a further twist, we understand Ashworth then claimed comments made by Howe had made his position untenable. However, this was in relation to comments made by the head coach on February 16, one week after the secret exchange with Berrada that Ashworth thought he had erased.

It has since been reported that Ashworth is set to take Newcastle to arbitration in an effort to force the move, and a report in the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday says he will argue he was sacked by the club.

OTHER NEWS

23 minutes ago

Benoot's candid assessment: "Van Aert not at last year's level, Visma | LAB does not dare to bet money on Vingegaard"

23 minutes ago

Daniel Lismore arrives at the V and A summer party

23 minutes ago

Mets Morning News for June 23, 2024

25 minutes ago

The late 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek will be honored with a U.S. postage stamp

26 minutes ago

Researchers 'crack the code' for quelling electromagnetic interference

26 minutes ago

Kraken-Canucks Set To Kick Off 2024-25 Pre-Season Slate

26 minutes ago

Washington Commanders: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos Was Outbid By Josh Harris For Ownership, Per Report

26 minutes ago

NASCAR race today: Live updates for USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

26 minutes ago

UAE: FTA urges taxpayers to register to avoid penalty

26 minutes ago

Nostalgic for your turbulent youth? Read this novel and you won’t be

26 minutes ago

Phil Foden escapes England’s Euro 2024 criticism – by going fishing

26 minutes ago

Jake White’s bizarre claim about URC final referee that dates back to 2022

26 minutes ago

England confirm replacement for suspended Charlie Ewels ahead of All Blacks series

26 minutes ago

Starmer tells private special school to keep costs down to cope with his VAT plan

26 minutes ago

Inside the clinic where men get their genitals plumped for $15,000, in a procedure that's not FDA approved

26 minutes ago

I'm a collectibles expert - here are the 1980s toys from your childhood that are now worth a fortune

26 minutes ago

We took a road trip to Iraq via 21 countries - and ended up staying longer than expected...

26 minutes ago

My son died of a heroin overdose- here's what I wish I knew and how you can save your own child

26 minutes ago

I'm a scientist who believes plants are CONSCIOUS - here are signs that prove they have intelligence

26 minutes ago

Video: Let him play the final! Fans demand viral German saxophone man is allowed to perform at the Euro 2024 final after videos of him delighting fans goes viral

26 minutes ago

Video: Watch as Ryan Garcia tries his hand at STAND-UP COMEDY with excruciating routine following his doping ban

26 minutes ago

Video: Harry Kane hits back at Gary Lineker and Co for their criticism of England after dire Denmark draw and calls for ex-players turned pundits to 'remember what it was like to wear the shirt'

29 minutes ago

Alex Lees and Ollie Robinson hit hundreds as Durham batters dominate at Essex

29 minutes ago

Armed militants in Dagestan kill priest and police in attacks on churches, synagogue and police post

29 minutes ago

More than 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj this year amid scorching heat, Saudi health minister says

31 minutes ago

Eagles TE Dallas Goedert could have a breakout season under new OC Kellen Moore

31 minutes ago

Sister reveals how her brother's ex-girlfriend is getting his $250,000 life insurance payout - in heartbreaking cautionary tale which should serve as a warning to ALL Americans

31 minutes ago

REVEALED: The huge stock purchase this year by Warren Buffett that didn't show up in his portfolio

34 minutes ago

Russia accuses Ukraine of deadly drone attacks in Crimea's Sevastopol

34 minutes ago

Six stars who quit Midsomer Murders and why - from health concerns to show complaints

34 minutes ago

Opinion: Sorry, James Carville, but Joe Biden is the best bet to beat Trump

34 minutes ago

Pressure on Proteas after England smash United States to reach T20 World Cup semi-finals

34 minutes ago

Switzerland vs Germany LIVE! Euro 2024 match stream, latest score and goal updates today

34 minutes ago

Suns still unsure about King as Magpies await

34 minutes ago

Pearson gearing up for busy summer season

34 minutes ago

The Boys May Finally Get a Supernatural Reunion Going

34 minutes ago

Graham: Senate colleagues trying to ‘destroy’ conservative Supreme Court justices with ethics reform

35 minutes ago

Jordan grabs hat-trick to set England up for a place in T20 semi-finals

35 minutes ago

Geylang International women’s team end Lion City Sailors’ unbeaten run of over two years

37 minutes ago

Election campaign day 32: Fresh betting blow for Tories