News Focus
- Crystal Palace are searching for a new manager to replace Oliver Glasner
- The club will hold discussions with RC Lens boss Pierre Sage this week
- First-choice target Andoni Iraola is set to join Liverpool instead
- Other candidates include Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna
Crystal Palace plan to meet RC Lens manager Pierre Sage in the coming days. The Premier League club need a new head coach after Oliver Glasner confirmed his departure.
The Eagles had made Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola their top target. However, Iraola is now expected to hold talks with Liverpool. The Merseyside club sacked Arne Slot on Saturday.
Chairman Steve Parish is leading the recruitment process. The south London club will not rush their decision. They are examining several options with care.
Sage has developed a strong reputation across Europe. The 47-year-old took charge of Lens in June last year. He guided the French side to second place in Ligue 1. He also led them to their first-ever Coupe de France title.
BBC Sport first reported Palace’s interest in Sage on 8 May. At that time, the hierarchy focused on Iraola. Now Sage is open to joining the English club.
Several other managers remain under consideration. Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has supporters at Selhurst Park. He secured Premier League promotion for the Sky Blues this season. However, his contract runs for another year. Coventry would demand significant compensation.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna faces a similar situation. His contract includes a release clause worth at least £5 million.
Former managers Thomas Frank, Dino Toppmoller and Sean Dyche are unemployed. Appointing any of them would involve no compensation fees.