Crystal Palace could avoid significant compensation if Pierre Sage rejoins Lens

Sage's Palace departure remains unconfirmed as compensation negotiations continue; Lens could re-appoint him, potentially saving Palace significant costs.

Crystal Palace sacked Pierre Sage on Sunday evening following a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, their fourth successive Premier League loss that left them bottom of the table for the first time since 2017. However, his official departure has not yet been confirmed as the club negotiates compensation over his three-year contract, which Palace paid over £4m to buy out when he replaced Oliver Glasner in the summer.

Lens sacked manager Yannick Cahuzac on Tuesday after a 9-1 Champions League defeat to Como and a 2-1 loss to Marseille. Lens owner Joseph Oughourlian, who has remained in close contact with Sage since his departure, is thought to favour re-appointing the 47-year-old to revive their season. If Sage returns to his former club, Palace could avoid paying significant compensation.

Thomas Frank is the leading contender to replace Sage at Palace, with Sean Dyche and Vítor Pereira as alternatives. Eddie Howe is believed to have rejected an initial inquiry.