Crystal Palace have opened talks with Pierre Sage, the former Lens boss who guided the French side to a Ligue 1 runners‑up spot and a historic Coupe de France triumph. The club says it wants to move deliberately, keeping all options on the table as it plans its next appointment.

Names circulating include Coventry’s Frank Lampard, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, ex‑Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller, former Spurs manager Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche. Lampard, praised for steering Coventry to the Championship title, still has a year left on his contract, and releasing him could cost a six‑figure sum. McKenna’s release clause is reported at £5m, making him a pricier target than the unemployed Frank, Toppmöller or Dyche.

Palace’s previous manager, Roy Hodgson, announced his departure at the end of the season after delivering an FA Cup final and a Conference League run. By keeping negotiations open, the Selhurst Park hierarchy hopes to secure a manager who can build on Hodgson’s cup success while stabilising the Premier League fight.