Crystal Palace have considered rivalling Fulham for manager amid Pierre Sage talks

Crystal Palace’s search for a new manager appears to be entering a decisive phase, with reports suggesting talks with Pierre Sage are continuing to move in a positive direction.

The Eagles are looking for a successor to Oliver Glasner after the Austrian brought his spell at Selhurst Park to a close following Palace’s historic Conference League triumph in Leipzig.

The victory secured the club’s first-ever European trophy and capped a remarkable period under Glasner, leaving Palace’s hierarchy with one of the biggest appointments in the club’s history.

Over the past few weeks, several names have been linked with the vacancy.

Andoni Iraola, who is now closing in on a move to Liverpool, was discussed earlier in the process, while the likes of Frank Lampard and Filipe Luis have also been mentioned in various reports.

However, recent developments suggest former Lyon and Lens boss Pierre Sage has emerged as the leading candidate.

The Times reported this week that Sage is prepared to leave Lens after holding discussions with Palace, with compensation negotiations between the clubs now one of the key issues to resolve.

Fabrizio Romano now also says an agreement with the 47-year-old is close.

While Sage is now the frontrunner, Palace have also considered rivalling Fulham for another manager.

Palace have considered rivalling Fulham for Kieran McKenna

According to Sky Sports’ live transfer blog, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has also been considered during Palace’s recruitment process as the club weighs up its options.

McKenna’s inclusion on Palace’s shortlist is hardly surprising.

The 40-year-old remains one of the most highly-rated young coaches in English football after guiding Ipswich through an impressive rise in recent seasons.

His work at Portman Road has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, and Palace are not the only side to have explored the possibility of appointing him.

Indeed, McKenna has been heavily linked with a move to Craven Cottage since Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica earlier this week.

Both Sky Sports and talkSPORT have reported that the Ipswich boss is high on Fulham’s shortlist as they begin the search for Silva’s replacement.

Reports have even suggested McKenna is viewed as one of the leading contenders for the role, although his £8m release clause and long-term contract at Ipswich could complicate any potential move.

That wider interest perhaps explains why Palace have continued to explore multiple avenues simultaneously.

Although McKenna’s reputation remains strong, with Ipswich captain Dara O’Shea calling him a ‘legendary’ figure at Portman Road, any move would likely require substantial compensation and intense negotiations with Ipswich.

By contrast, Palace appear to have made significant progress in discussions with Sage, who has enjoyed considerable success in French football and fits the profile of an ambitious appointment.

The Frenchman enhanced his reputation during his time at Lyon before moving to Lens, where he continued to impress, winning the Coupe de France last season.

For now, no final decision has been announced.

After the most successful period in the club’s history, Palace know they cannot afford to get this appointment wrong.

Whether they ultimately land Sage, McKenna or another candidate entirely, the decision will play a major role in determining how the club builds on its remarkable Conference League success over the coming years.