Crystal Palace have held talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage about becoming their new head coach.

Palace have now spoken to the Frenchman, 47, and have made contact with Lens to discuss a financial package to release him from his contract with the Ligue 1 side.

Sage took over as Lens manager in June last year and led the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1.

Lens also beat Nice to win the Coupe de France for the first time in their 120-year history.

Palace turned their attentions to Sage after failing to attract number one target Andoni Iraola to Selhurst Park.

The Eagles had made a proposal to Iraola to join the club, but the Spaniard has since agreed to join Liverpool on a two-year contract.

Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna and Sean Dyche were among the alternative options.

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