Crystal Palace are finalizing a deal to bring Lens manager Pierre Sage to south London as their new head coach, according to BBC Sport. The two clubs are working through the financial details of a package that would accelerate Sage's departure from France.
Sage, 47, joined Lens just 12 months ago. In that single season, he guided the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and their first Coupe de France championship in 120 years of club history.
Palace are looking to replace Oliver Glasner, who departed at the end of last season. Their first choice had been former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, but he signed a two-year deal with Liverpool earlier this month. The club also discussed Coventry manager Frank Lampard, former Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, and ex-Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Everton head coach Sean Dyche before turning toward Sage.
Sage's style of play is expected to appeal to supporters. His command of English is also understood to be strong, which should ease his transition to the Premier League.
The hire comes at a complicated moment for the club. Palace will compete in Europa League football next season following their UEFA Conference League triumph, a step up in continental competition that raises the demands on the new manager immediately. The club also faces significant roster uncertainty. France forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is entering the final year of his contract with no resolution in sight. England midfielder Adam Wharton has drawn interest from several other Premier League clubs. Palace have offered a new deal to Japanese international Daichi Kamada, whose contract expired at the end of last season.
