French History-Maker in Talks with Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace has initiated discussions with Lens manager Pierre Sage regarding the possibility of him succeeding Oliver Glasner at the helm of the Premier League club, as reported by BBC Sport on Monday. The 47-year-old French coach has emerged as a leading candidate for the Eagles. According to the British newspaper, the London club has not only contacted Sage but also Lens, to negotiate the financial terms of his release from his current contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.

The pursuit of Sage comes after Crystal Palace missed out on their primary target, Andoni Iraola, who opted to join Liverpool from Bournemouth. The Selhurst Park club had made an offer to the Spaniard, but he ultimately signed a two-year deal with the Reds. Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, and Sean Dyche were among the other alternatives considered.

Pierre Sage took charge of Lens last June, guiding the team to a remarkable second-place finish in Ligue 1. Furthermore, he led them to French Cup glory, defeating Nice in the final, a historic first trophy in the club's 120-year history.