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Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are now battling it out to sign a Ligue 1 star, who has already enjoyed working with Pierre Sage in the past.
Crystal Palace agree deal to hire Sage
It almost goes without saying that replacing the greatest manager in Crystal Palace history is an impossible task. Yet, Sage must do exactly that, with those in South London closing in on his arrival.
The most recent reports are claiming that the Eagles have reached an agreement in principle with the French manager, who has already informed RC Lens about his decision to leave the French club.
He’s set to arrive off the back of an excellent season in Ligue 1, which saw Lens mount a shock title challenge on Paris Saint-Germain, before ultimately falling short.
It represents exactly where Palace are at that they’re able to lure Sage to Selhurst Park despite Lens’ recent surge through the Ligue 1 standings.
With Sage on his way, Palace have turned their focus towards potential reinforcements, which could include the arrival of Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
The midfielder has been on the radar of several Premier League sides since the end of the season and whilst Everton have been most advanced, Palace are reportedly set to submit a rival bid. As rumours persist over Adam Wharton’s future, Hackney would be an excellent signing.
He’s not the only name that Palace are battling for, either. The Europa Conference League winners are also battling to beat Tottenham in the race for a player who has already worked with Sage.
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Crystal Palace and Tottenham racing for Ligue 1 defender
As reported by SportsBoom, Crystal Palace and Tottenham are fighting to sign Ismaelo Ganiou this summer. The Premier League sides are hoping to get ahead of PSG to sign the Lens defender and it’s Palace who hold the advantage thanks to the incoming arrival of Sage.
All three sides have opened talks, but Ganiou and the French manager worked together in France and the central defender is open to a swift reunion in South London.
It’s a blow for Spurs, who could miss out on their target to a direct London rival as a result. But that’s not to say the deal will come easy for those at Selhurst Park.
Lens are reportedly set to hold firm on their €40m (£35m) asking price, which hands the Eagles a major decision to make in the coming months.
|
25/26 P90 |
Maxence Lacroix |
Ismaelo Ganiou |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,087 |
2,014 |
|
Tackles |
1.75 |
1.74 |
|
Duel success |
61.3% |
60.8% |
|
Recoveries |
2.74 |
5.23 |
|
Pass success |
88.2% |
86.8% |
In terms of quality, it’s easy to see why Palace are interested in Ganiou. The defender, dubbed “excellent” by scout Jacek Kulig last month, could form a formidable partnership with Maxence Lacroix.
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The Eagles are planning an offer for an “excellent” player.
