Crystal Palace target Pierre Sage as Oliver Glasner replacement
Crystal Palace have identified RC Lens boss Pierre Sage as a potential managerial alternative if they fail to appoint top target Andoni Iraola to replace Oliver Glasner next season.
The Eagles are preparing for Glasner’s imminent departure, which will be finalised following next week’s Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.
The Austrian coach will take charge of his final Premier League fixture against newly-crowned champions Arsenal at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
While chairman Steve Parish has made Iraola his primary objective, contingency plans are actively being drawn up in south London.
Impressive pedigree in France
Sage has emerged as a serious contender after orchestrating a remarkable domestic campaign.
The French tactician guided Lens to a second-placed finish behind Paris St-Germain in Ligue 1 and has secured Champions League qualification.
His impressive squad are also preparing to contest the French Cup final against Nice.
The former Lyon head coach has earned incredibly high praise from within the professional game.
A mix of Ancelotti and Mourinho.
That glowing assessment of the manager was recently provided by veteran midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Fierce competition for signatures
Securing the coveted tactician will not be a straightforward task for the Selhurst Park hierarchy.
Fulham are reportedly monitoring the highly-rated coach as they prepare to lose Marco Silva to Benfica this summer.
The Cottagers expect Silva to depart when his contract expires, filling the void left by Jose Mourinho’s anticipated move to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Palace’s first-choice target Iraola is simultaneously attracting heavy interest from Liverpool and other top European clubs.
The lure of managing in the English top flight is strong, but walking away from Europe’s elite club competition presents a significant dilemma.
Palace must now act swiftly to formalise their definitive plans before the summer transfer window accelerates.