Newcastle United’s search for a new sporting director is now down to two candidates.

The Magpies are currently working without a sporting director, having placed Dan Ashworth on gardening leave ahead of his move to Manchester United. He has been poached by the Red Devils, who have so far been unable to agree compensation with the Magpies.

Ashworth to Manchester United has developed into quite the saga, while Newcastle United have been working on finding his replacement in the background.

Newcastle have looked at a lot of sporting director candidates

The club have been linked with some very exciting names during this search, with Paolo Maldini even mentioned as a possible candidate. He certainly has an eye for talent – after all, he was the one trying to get Sven Botman to sign for AC Milan instead of Newcastle.

Former Toon midfielder Hugo Viana has also been linked, as has Paul Mitchell. Geordie Boot Boys have been told that he is interested in the role at St James’ Park, but a fresh report from TalkSPORT suggests that he might be out of the running.

Dougie Freedman still in the race for Newcastle role

According to TalkSPORT, Newcastle now have just two candidates vying to replace Dan Ashworth behind the scenes at St James’ Park after narrowing down their search.

They claim that Dougie Freedman is one of the contenders that is still in the race, having emerged as a target late last month. Interestingly, Crystal Palace have already started looking for a replacement, just in case.

TalkSPORT add that the other candidate that Newcastle are considering is from overseas, which would suggest that Mitchell is no longer in contention. That comes as a surprise, as he was one of the frontrunners for the role.

Freedman’s talents were clear for all to see on Monday night

While Mitchell appears to be out the race, Freedman is still in contention. And Monday night served as a reminder of what the Crystal Palace chief could bring to St James’ Park.

The Eagles beat Manchester United 4-0 at Selhurst Park, which is a result that could really help Newcastle qualify for Europe.

Palace were inspired by Michael Olise, who scored a brilliant brace just hours after being linked with a move to Tyneside. The 22-year-old is one of Freedman’s best ever signings, while Eberechi Eze is also up there.

In fact, Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football that Freedman is an ‘absolute master’ when it comes to signing players from the lower leagues.

That could appeal to Newcastle, who want to sign players like Olise and Eze before they reach their potential. That will allow the club to save money, which is vital in the era of PSR.

Freedman could help Newcastle do just that, as he waits to discover whether he is the man PIF and co want to replace Dan Ashworth.