Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading candidate to take over from Pierre Sage as Crystal Palace manager, according to reports.
The Dane has been out of work since leaving Tottenham in February, and was on Palace's shortlist over the summer as they sought a replacement for Oliver Glasner. The club instead opted for Sage following his successful spell with Ligue 1 side Lens.
However, just 10 games into the new season, Sage is expected to leave Palace with the club bottom of the Premier League table heading into the international break.
Frank's pedigree and Palace's plans
A succession plan is already under way, with Frank at the top of a long list of potential candidates. Despite a difficult eight-month period at Spurs, leaving the club just above the relegation zone, Frank remains well regarded from his time at Brentford and is viewed as an experienced Premier League operator.
Should Frank take charge, he would likely need reinforcements in January and could look to raid his former club to steer the Eagles away from the relegation zone. Standard Sport has identified three Spurs players Palace could target.
Potential targets from Tottenham
Conor Gallagher, brought in from Atletico Madrid last January after Rodrigo Bentancur underwent hamstring surgery, has seen his return to the Premier League not go as well as hoped. The midfielder chose Spurs over Aston Villa to return to London and boost his England World Cup hopes, but instead became embroiled in a relegation battle and faced criticism for his limited capabilities in possession.
Gallagher played an important role for Roberto De Zerbi towards the end of last season but has seen his minutes limited this term following the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. A return to Palace, where he enjoyed arguably his most productive season on loan from Chelsea in 2021/22, would make sense for both parties, though Spurs are said to be reluctant to part with the 26-year-old.
Defensive and attacking options
Marcos Senesi, who joined Spurs in the summer on a free transfer from Bournemouth, has seen his minutes restricted with Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke as the first-choice centre-back pairing. Palace have not suitably replaced Maxence Lacroix or Marc Guehi, so a new centre-back would likely be a priority for Frank, who instigated Spurs' initial interest in Senesi.
Richarlison, Spurs' top goalscorer last season, has been banished from the first team after failing to force a move away. The Brazilian has been training with the Under-21s and scored in their 2-2 EFL Trophy draw against Cheltenham last month. Spurs will be desperate to sanction a move in January, and while a return to Brazil has been mooted, Palace could offer him a chance to stay in the Premier League.
As Standard Sport reported, all options are on the table for Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, and if the Frenchman were to leave, Palace would potentially need cover for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
