Man Utd dealt Dan Ashworth blow after Newcastle target snubs move
Dougie Freedman has made many impressive signings for Crystal Palace (Photo: Getty)
Dougie Freedman has snubbed the chance to become Newcastle United sporting director by signing a new contract with Crystal Palace.
This decision could have a knock-on effect and delay Manchester United’s official appointment of Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth is set to leave St. James’ Park for Old Trafford to become the Red Devils’ first-ever sporting director but it is not clear when he will take up the role after being placed on gardening leave by the Magpies.
The two clubs are at loggerheads over a compensation package, with Newcastle wanting £20million while United are only willing to pay £5m, with negotiations barely progressing.
One factor that would speed up matters is if Newcastle could find a replacement, with Freedman their top target after his impressive work at Palace over the past seven years.
The former Eagles player and manager has enjoyed great success in signing the likes of Michael Olise, Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton – the latter trio all in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.
The ex-Scotland international has also been on United’s radar, but it appears they have now moved on, with little room left in the boardroom after the appointments of Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and Sir Dave Brailsford.
Newcastle have placed Dan Ashworth on gardening leave (Photo: Getty)
It was reported over the past few weeks that Newcastle were closing in on Freedman and were confident a deal could be reached, but The Athletic now say that the 49-year-old has committed his future to Selhurst Park.
It comes after Palace ended the season in outstanding form under Oliver Glasner and there is real hope that the club can qualify for Europe for the first-time ever in the next campaign.
The news could mean a further delay to Ashworth’s arrival in Manchester, though the 53-year-old is reportedly taking Newcastle to the court of arbitration in order to force through his move.
It was said that the process would begin May and last several weeks but we are no closer to knowing when it will be done.
In the meantime, the Magpies will likely pursue alternative target Johannes Spors, the global sporting director of 777 Group who are currently trying to buy Everton.
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