Newcastle hold advanced talks with Freedman over becoming new sporting director

Newcastle United have held advanced talks with Dougie Freedman and Johannes Spors over the role of sporting director, Sky Sports News understands.

The club have undergone an exhaustive process and spoken to a number of candidates. It is thought they are now close to an appointment.

Freedman is currently Crystal Palace sporting director, while Spors is the global sporting director at 777 group.

Newcastle placed their former sporting director Dan Ashworth on gardening leave in February with Manchester United continuing to discuss compensation ahead of a potential appointment.

Freedman is the marginal favourite but Spors is also admired and has more experience and a proven track record in the European market.

The global sporting director of 777 Group emerged as a leading candidate during an extensive search to identify Ashworth's successor.

The 41-year-old has worked at head of recruitment for RB Leipzig previously and is now working for 777, whose controversial attempted takeover of Everton is still awaiting Premier League approval and who own Genoa, Standard Liege, Hertha Berlin, Red Star in Paris and Vasco da Gama.

Ashworth is top of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's list to front up his new football operation at Old Trafford after completing his deal for a 25 per cent stake in the club.

Newcastle have not put a figure on Ashworth's services, but it is thought it could reach in excess of £10m should Manchester United want to buy out his contract so he can start work ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ashworth joined Newcastle from a similar role at Brighton two years ago, with Newcastle themselves paying compensation to attain him.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has previously called for a swift resolution to the situation, and agreed that it was