Man United eye another raid on Premier League club with Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman in sights as head of recruitment
Manchester United want to make Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman their new head of recruitment, talkSPORT understands.
The Red Devils are preparing a formal approach to Palace and Freedman comes highly recommended by Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Freedman took up the role of Crystal Palace sporting director in 2017 and played a key role in bringing former boss Patrick Vieira to the club.
The 49-year-old also secured deals for talented duo Marc Guehi and Michael Olise while wrapping up the successful loan signing of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in 2021.
Freedman oversaw the £26million signing of Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool in 2017 - the second most expensive signing in the club's history.
His other notable signings include the £18m acqusition of Cheick Doucoure from Lens, Eberechi Eze for £16m from QPR and the £15m paid to Lyon for defender Joachim Andersen.
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But the Eagles are now bracing themselves for an approach for Freedman from Manchester United as first reported by talkSPORT in November.
New Manchester United owners INEOS, spearheaded by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, view Freedman as an ideal candidate for the club’s new structure.
United’s interest comes after prospective technical director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada were both placed on gardening leave from Manchester City and Newcastle respectively.
Club chiefs view Freedman’s experience as a deciding factor with the hope of filling the position quickly, due to the delays in bringing in Berrada and Ashworth.
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Crystal Palace are unlikely to cause any obstacles in the event of a departure, a stance generally taken with employees looking to further their careers. However, they are likely to offer a new deal and allow the individual to make up their own mind.
The former Palace striker is not the only name on United’s wishlist but appears to have made the biggest impression on senior figures at Old Trafford.
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Freedman enjoyed a 16-year playing career and is best remembered for his two spells at Selhurst Park.
The Scot became a cult hero in South London, netting 85 goals in 317 games for the Eagles.
Spells with Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Southend and Leeds followed as did two caps for Scotland at international level.
Freedman entered into management with Palace, Bolton and Forest before taking on the role of sporting director in 2017.
Ben Foster believes Dan Ashworth is a 'fantastic fit' for Manchester United and is excited by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival
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