Newcastle United’s sporting director search appears to be down to two candidates – Dougie Freedman and Johannes Spors.

The Magpies are edging closer to naming their Dan Ashworth replacement, as the 53-year-old continues to wait for the green light to start work at Manchester United.

In the meantime, Newcastle United are more focussed on who will be leading their football operations, with Dougie Freedman looking like the favourite.

The Crystal Palace chief has impressed Toon officials during the interview process, and is interested in taking on the role at St James’ Park. That is what Palace feared, and is probably why they started to search for their own replacement.

Johannes Spors also in contention for Newcastle United role

But it is not a done deal just yet. Freedman still has competition, with Johannes Spors also in the race for the high profile job at Newcastle United.

He is less well known, but has worked all over Europe during his career. He spent time as an analyst for Hoffenheim, before going on to become a scout for RB Leipzig and Hamburg. Spors has also worked in the Netherlands and Italy, and is now the sporting director for the 777 Group – who are currently struggling to complete a deal to buy Everton.

The 41-year-old has a lot of experience in the European market, which could be very beneficial to Newcastle United. However, one of Spors’ core beliefs could be what sees him miss out.

What Johannes Spors believes is important when it comes to recruitment

According to the Athletic, Spors believes that teams should mainly try to recruit players that play in the same country as them. That would mean Newcastle United targeting players who compete in English football.

That is something that Newcastle have done a lot since Eddie Howe became manager. He appreciates Premier League experience, with 10 of his Toon signings having played in the top flight of English football.

Dougie Freedman knows all about recruiting domestically, having worked for Crystal Palace and brought in players from the likes of Chelsea, QPR, Reading and more. He has a lot of knowledge of English football, and the Athletic add that Newcastle believe it could allow him to settle in quickly at St James’ Park.

In contrast, Spors has no experience in English football. His philosophy on recruitment makes complete sense, but it does not look like he would be able to deliver it as effectively as someone like Freedman if he were to join Newcastle United.

Of course, Spors could learn and gain that experience, but Newcastle want someone who can hit the ground running.

While Spors obviously has a lot of admirable qualities that have got him into the final two candidates, he may have actually talked himself out of the job.