Crystal Palace have appointed former player and manager Dougie Freedman as the club's sporting director.

"I felt this was a position the club needed," said Palace boss Frank de Boer.

"I always worked with a sporting director during my time as manager at Ajax - I am looking forward to working with Dougie in this transfer window and beyond."

"This is a position I have been looking to fill for a while," said Eagles chairman Steve Parish.

"I'm delighted that Dougie has agreed to accept the position and look forward to continuing Crystal Palace's progression to become a solid Premier League club with the right infrastructure."