Exclusive – Crystal Palace thought they had reached an agreement with ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre to replace Roy Hodgson as manager, but talks fell at the last minute due to disagreements over summer transfer plans.
Favre looked to take over at Selhurst Park and was even expected to sign his contract on Thursday morning. But by the end of the day, the 63-year-old Swiss coach had pulled out and is now expected to take a break from football altogether instead.
Despite the fact that personal terms had been agreed, 90 minutes has learned from sources close to the store that it collapsed when Favre was not completely satisfied with the proposed summer transfer budget. Problems with players also arose and at that time it fell through.
Palace named 11 first team players on its 2021 release list earlier this month, with six of them making at least 15 appearances in all competitions last season. Wilfried Zaha is also still keen to leave, which means that recruitment this summer is absolutely crucial to ensure that the squad is adequately equipped to compete in the Premier League next season.
Palace have released 11 first team players this summer, while Wilfried Zaha also still wants to leave / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
With Favre out of the picture, the Eagles have no choice but to continue looking for a manager.
Palace had been very interested in Swansea coach Steve Cooper, which revealed 90 minutes in May. However, they refused to pay a £ 3m clause to release the 41-year-old from his contract at Liberty Stadium and that was what made them Favre. That figure is still a problem.
Palace are considering talks with Paulo Fonseca, who was recently approached by Tottenham, although it may already be too late as he is in talks with Fiorentina.
The club had also previously shown interest in Nuno Espirito Santo, Eddie Howe, Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche. Nuno, Howe and Lampard are all currently independent, with Nuno leaving Wolves in May, Howe not taking another job since leaving Bournemouth in August last year and Lampard out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in January. Palace can now look at any of them again.
Palace unwilling to pay £ 3m to release first choice Steve Cooper from his Swansea contract / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Palace chairman Steve Parish has long been a big fan of Dyche, but he is now set to return his immediate future to Burnley after recently agreeing on the terms of a new contract with the Clarets that is expected to be signed and sealed over time.
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