Manchester United have reportedly identified Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman as the leading candidate to become the clubs' new head of recruitment.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased minority ownership of the Red Devils from the Glazer Family earlier this year, collecting 27.7% of the club's stakes.
Part of the deal involved the English billionaire assuming control of footballing operations at Man United, and the INEOS boss has immediately looked to improve the team's leadership.
On the pitch, Erik ten Hag's side are struggling to keep pace in the race for Champions League qualification, currently 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
According to The Independent, Manchester United have made Crystal Palace director Freedman their top target for the job as head of recruitment at Old Trafford.
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A friend of Man United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, Freedman has gained a reputation of one the Premier League's most astute sporting directors during his spell at Selhurst Park.
The 49-year-old has helped the Eagles spot a host of young talent from across the English game, including Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise from Championship clubs Queens Park Rangers and Reading.
It is understood that Crystal Palace are prepared for United to make an approach for Freedman's services, with the Red Devils transforming the complexion of their off-field team.
Since arriving at the club at the start of 2023, new part-owner Ratcliffe has already recruited Omar Berrada as United's new chief executive.
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Luring the highly-rated chief from local rivals Manchester City, the capture of Berrada has been heralded as a real coup for the red side of Manchester.
The Red Devils are also set to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director at Old Trafford, with the 52-year-old having been placed on gardening leave by current employers Newcastle United.
On the pitch, Man United are reeling from a derby defeat to Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, when a Phil Foden brace and an Erling Haaland strike downed the visitors.
Looking to bounce back in a positive manner, Ten Hag's side will do battle with Sean Dyche's Everton at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Carter White
