Crystal Palace are set to welcome popular Pierre Sage as RC Lens manager to replace Oliver Glasner after an impressive tour of Europe that left the south London club with big ambitions.
Fresh off winning the UEFA Conference League, the Eagles are determined to make a statement as they look to spearhead the next stage of their tactical evolution in the Premier League.
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Crystal Palace preparing to make offer for Pierre Sarge to replace Oliver Glasner
According to an update from ESPN’s Julian Lawrence, Crystal Palace are actively preparing a formal offer for the newly named Ligue 1 Manager of the Season.
The 47-year-old French tactician is currently under contract with Reims for a further two years, but owner Joseph Ourlian is desperate to keep his job ahead of a potential Champions League appearance.
But sources say Orgolian is keenly aware of Sage’s desire to test himself in England next season.
Crucially, the prospect of taking over the recently crowned UEFA Conference League champions makes Palace an incredibly attractive destination.
According to reports, Palace have begun negotiations with the French club in preparation for an opening offer from Steve Parish and the Palace board in the coming hours.
Pierre Sarge is one of the candidates linked with Liverpool
The battle for Sage’s signature carries immense weight across the Premier League, but not least because the Frenchman is also heavily linked with the vacant high-profile seat at Anfield.
Liverpool’s recruitment team have added Sage to their managerial shortlist following the sacking of Arne Slott.
The Merseyside giants are currently working hard to sign Andoni Iraola from Bournemouth, but Sage remains their first-choice replacement.
Palace’s decision to move aggressively to sign Lens is a direct result of their own setbacks in their pursuit of Iraola, and a quick appointment is paramount to avoid a prolonged summer turmoil.
Why Sage is one of the most in-demand managers right now
Sage’s rapid rise to prominence has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in European football.
After a short spell at Lyon, he took over a mid-table Lens team last summer and completely changed the team’s fortunes by introducing a fluid, high-octane system.
He led a sensational season in France, leading Lens to the historic Coupe de France trophy and cornering powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling Ligue 1 title race.
Coupled with an exceptional track record of developing elite young talent, Sage represents the perfect modern profile to take over a dynamic Palace team looking for sustained success after winning silver medals two years in a row.
