Crystal Palace have held talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage about becoming their new head coach, as the Premier League club intensifies its search for Oliver Glasner’s replacement.
BBC Sport revealed last week that Sage, 47, was a leading option for the Eagles. Palace have now spoken directly to the Frenchman and made contact with Lens to discuss a financial package to release him from his contract with the Ligue 1 side.
“Crystal Palace have held talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage to replace Oliver Glasner.”
Sage took over at Lens in June last year and immediately transformed the club’s fortunes. He led them to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and guided the team to a historic Coupe de France victory against Nice – the first time Lens had won the trophy in their 120-year history.
Palace turned their attention to Sage after failing to attract their number one target, Andoni Iraola, to Selhurst Park. The Eagles had made a proposal to Iraola, but the Spaniard has since agreed to join Liverpool on a two-year contract.
Alternative options considered by Palace include Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna and Sean Dyche.