Crystal Palace are putting the finishing touches on a financial package to bring Lens manager Pierre Sage to Selhurst Park, while Wolves have sacked Rob Edwards after just seven months – with the head coach first discovering his fate on social media.
Sage, 47, joined Lens 12 months ago and led them to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and the club's first Coupe de France triumph in their 120-year history. Palace are looking to replace Oliver Glasner, who left at the end of last season. The Eagles had previously been keen on former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, but he signed a two-year deal with Liverpool earlier this month. Other candidates discussed included Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna and Sean Dyche. Sage's style of football is likely to appeal to supporters, and his English is at a good level.
“Crystal Palace near deal for Pierre Sage; Wolves sack Rob Edwards after seven months and relegation.”
Palace's Uefa Conference League triumph means they will play Europa League football next season, but they face a tricky summer. The future of France forward Jean-Philippe Mateta remains unresolved as he enters the final year of his contract, while England midfielder Adam Wharton has been linked with other Premier League clubs. Palace have also offered a new deal to midfielder Daichi Kamada, whose contract expired at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Wolves have sacked Rob Edwards after relegation from the Premier League. Edwards and his staff first became aware a change could happen after seeing reports of Cesar Peixoto potentially taking over on social media. The club confirmed the sacking on Thursday morning. Peixoto, who guided Gil Vicente to sixth place in Portugal's Primeira Liga, is expected to be appointed. Edwards' assistants Harry Watling and Paul Trollope are also leaving.
Announcing Edwards' departure, Wolves said: "Following a comprehensive review at the conclusion of the season, the club has determined that a change in leadership is necessary as Wolves enters the next stage of its development." The club added they recognised the "significant challenges" faced by Edwards and his staff and paid tribute to their "commitment and professionalism", but concluded that "a different sporting direction would provide the strongest platform for future success".
Wolves had already started planning for the Championship by signing Kieran Trippier on a free transfer from Newcastle, with Edwards key to the deal, while Raul Jimenez returned after his Fulham contract expired. Technical director Matt Jackson had said last month that the club's hierarchy was aligned in supporting Edwards. Edwards won just five of his 30 games in all competitions, losing 16, as Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League. At a Q&A hosted by BBC Radio WM last month, he said: "We're a collective and I'll take responsibility of course but it's not an effort thing, it's the fact that we're the worst team in the league. That's the bottom line."
Palace now await the finalisation of Sage's appointment, while Wolves begin a rebuild under a new head coach for the Championship.