Crystal Palace transfer chief handed new deal

Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has signed a new deal with the club, according to The Atheltic.

Freedman made more than 200 appearances for the Eagles and managed the South Londoners before departing for Bolton Wanderers in 2012. The Scot returned in 2017 to take over the role of sporting director.

The 48-year-old, who also managed Nottingham Forest before returning to the Eagles, was tasked with last summer building a side for new manager Patrick Vieira after Palace allowed eight ageing players of big contracts to leave.

Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Vicente Guaita, and Jordan Ayew – all players brought to the club since Freedman joined – have all become key players under Vieira.

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira called Freedman one of Crystal Palace’s “strengths” last season.

“The sporting director, along with the scouting department and scouting people he has around him, has been a really good success because of the players that we brought in,” added Vieira at the time.

“Not just on but off the field as well, the players are really matching with the football club – it has been a really good success.”

The Eagles are in their 10th consecutive season in the Premier League and signed Chris Richards, Sam Johnstone, Malcolm Ebiowei and Cheick Doucoure over the summer.

Palace secured their second win of the Premier League season on Sunday, with goals from Odsonne Edouard and Eberechi Eze earning Vieira’s side a 2-1 victory over Leeds United.