Dougie Freedman is understood to be the front-runner to replace Dan Ashworth as Newcastle United sporting director

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan backed Dougie Freedman for Manchester United before they set their sights on Dan Ashworth.

Newcastle United have been on the hunt for a sporting director since Ashworth announced his decision to leave in February. The 53-year-old is currently on gardening leave, with both parties unable to agree a compensation package.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly bemoaned the stand-off on several occasions and even met with Amanda Staveley to breach the impasse. As for Newcastle, they made their intention to appoint a replacement swiftly when announcing Ashworth’s exit.

Palace chief Freedman, who also played for and managed the club, is understood to be one of the front-runners. Ex-Eagles owner Jordan previously claimed Man United should appoint him - offering insight into what Newcastle can expect.

“I can see him at Man United and I am pretty sure they are interested, “ he told talkSPORT earlier this year. “Dougie is a good thinker, a good spotter of talent, and a good negotiator. I have known Dougie for 25 years now, and he’s someone that I’m very fond of. He is capable in the position he is in.

“People will look and think; ‘Dougie to United?’. But you could say the same about Dan Ashworth. Players Palace have recruited, such as Eze and players like that, are players Dougie signed. 

“He works well in teams and he is a very clever operator. He is not controversial and doesn’t get in people’s faces. He’s got plenty of steel, don’t worry about that. I think, if he gets the opportunity, he is well worthy of it.”