Crystal Palace speak to Pierre Sage as Richards nears fitness
Palace hold talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage to replace Oliver Glasner, contacting Lens over a financial package after missing out on Andoni Iraola. Sage, 47, led Lens to second in Ligue 1 and won the Coupe de France.
Glasner’s tactical identity is defined by organised pressing, vertical play and a 3-4-2-1, boosting Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta. The system thrives in transitions but needs specific profiles.
Glasner, set to leave Palace after Conference League success, is linked with Milan. The 3-4-2-1 coach values verticality, crossing and duels, and previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Palace plan a £20m bid for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, rivalled by Everton’s £15m offer. Hackney has one year left, Boro want £25m. European football and the uncertain futures of Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton could sway him to Palace.
Palace’s Chris Richards goes through his first full practice with the United States after tearing two left ankle ligaments on 17 May. He remains on the 26-man roster as fitness is assessed ahead of Friday’s World Cup opener.
