Newcastle have included Dougie Freedman on their final shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth as sporting director, talkSPORT understands.
Crystal Palace are aware of Newcastle's interest in their transfer guru, who is also being mooted for the role of Manchester United's head of recruitment.
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The Magpies are looking to fill the role with Ashworth currently on gardening leave amid interest from Manchester United.
While an agreement is yet to be reached, Newcastle are planning for life without the former Brighton and England chief, with Freedman emerging as a top candidate.
Freedman took up the role of Crystal Palace sporting director in 2017 and played a pivotal role in attracting Patrick Vieira to the club as their head coach.
Since joining the club, the Scotsman has built an excellent track record of bringing emerging talent to Selhurst Park.
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Freedman secured deals for talented duo Marc Guehi and Michael Olise while also completing 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.
Eze and Olise continue to attract major interest from elsewhere, with any potential moves set to land Palace a huge profit on their initial outlays.
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Whoever lands the sporting director job at Newcastle will face the prospect of a big summer in terms of incomings and outgoing.
This will include fending off interest in Bruno Guimarares - a player on Arsenal and Man City's radar - with the Brazilian having a £100million release clause in his deal.
Simon Jordan believes Eddie Howe deserves another season at Newcastle United despite their drop in form this campaign
Newcastle will also be keen to keep hold of Alexander Isak, having offered him a new contract to tempt him to stay at St James' Park.