Crystal Palace pivot to Lens boss after missing out on primary target Andoni Iraola

Crystal Palace are expected to hold talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage this week as the club continues to search for a successor to Oliver Glasner.

The Eagles have stepped up their pursuit of alternative candidates after accepting that Andoni Iraola is unlikely to take the job.

Iraola received a formal approach from Palace, but is now expected to enter discussions with Liverpool following Arne Slot’s departure.

Sage has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the Palace job.

The 47-year-old has enhanced his reputation significantly during his time in France and is open to the prospect of managing in the Premier League.

Palace first identified Sage as a potential candidate earlier in the spring but prioritised their efforts to appoint Iraola.

With that move now appearing unlikely, attention has shifted towards the Lens manager.

Sage only took charge of Lens last summer but enjoyed an outstanding first season at the club.

He guided them to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and also delivered the Coupe de France, securing the club’s first major domestic cup triumph.

Those achievements have attracted attention from across Europe and placed him firmly on Palace’s shortlist.

Despite the growing interest, Palace are not expected to rush into a decision.

Chairman Steve Parish and the club’s recruitment team are continuing to assess multiple candidates before determining their preferred choice.

Glasner announced earlier this year that he would leave Selhurst Park upon the expiration of his contract this summer.

The Austrian departs after a highly successful spell in charge.

He guided Palace to FA Cup glory in 2025 before leading them to Europa Conference League success last season – the first European trophy in the club’s history.

Several other managers are under consideration.

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard is believed to have admirers within the Palace hierarchy following his impressive work in guiding them back to the Premier League.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has also been discussed, having overseen the club’s return to the top flight.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller, ex-Brentford manager Thomas Frank and former Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche are among the other names being considered.

While some candidates would require compensation packages, others are currently available and could be appointed immediately.