Crystal Palace have entered formal talks with Lens boss Pierre Sage about the vacant head‑coach role. The club dismissed Oliver Glasner at season’s end and have been hunting a replacement since. After their preferred candidate Andoni Iraola chose Liverpool, Palace turned to the 47‑year‑old Frenchman, who guided Lens to a runner‑up Ligue 1 finish and a historic Coupe de France triumph.

The Eagles have already opened negotiations with Lens to structure a compensation package that would free Sage from his contract. Sage took charge of the French side in June 2023 and quickly transformed them into title challengers, ending a 120‑year wait for silverware. Palace’s shortlist also featured Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna and Sean Dyche, but Sage now tops the list. Negotiations are expected to conclude within weeks.

Should the deal go through, Sage would inherit a squad that finished 14th last campaign and is eager to improve its standing. His proven ability to over‑achieve with limited resources could reshape Palace’s tactical approach significantly overall and rekindle European ambitions. The club now faces a decisive window to finalise terms before the pre‑season begins.