MALCOLM EBIOWEI ignored Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren to join Crystal Palace – with Dougie Freedman DRIVING him to his signing.
Highly-rated Ebiowei, 18, has moved to Selhurst Park from Derby on a free — a deal we first revealed in April.
United are yet to make a signing under new boss Ten Hag
McClaren was a technical director at the Rams and tried to get the winger to follow him in a series of phone calls.
Ebiowei even snubbed a text from new boss Ten Hag.
A top Derby official was also pushing for United because it might have meant a larger compensation fee AND a return on loan.
But London teen Ebiowei was swayed to join the Eagles after transfer-guru Freedman made it his personal crusade.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
The club’s sporting director met him twice, then went back to see him in a South London gym last week before showing him around Palace’s facilities.
Then the canny Scot turned up at the player’s door to take him for his medical and signing.
Meanwhile, MK Dons are keen to take Palace left-back Tayo Adaramola, 18, on loan — and guarantee he plays games — though Coventry also asked about him and have a strong chance.
Derby will also have to do without fan favourite Wayne Rooney.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The Man Utd and England legend left his managerial post on Friday.
Rooney told the club website: “Over the course of the summer I have been closely following developments regarding the ownership of Derby County.
“Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club.
“In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
Read More on SE
“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge.
“Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months.”
