Sources: Crystal Palace's Thomas Frank appointment hits stumbling block

Verbal agreement reached but backroom staff negotiations delaying official announcement; Frank expected to be named once deals finalized.

Crystal Palace have reached a verbal agreement with Thomas Frank to become their next manager following Pierre Sage's dismissal on 12 November, sources have told Football Insider. However, the official appointment is being delayed as the club negotiates deals to bring in Frank's backroom staff, including figures like Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam and Joe Newton who worked with him at Tottenham.

The Eagles accelerated talks this week following a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim, with new negotiations held and an agreement now in place. Palace are keen to provide Frank with backing by securing his trusted allies, as they did when Sage arrived from Lens. While the deal is not expected to face major issues, finalising these staff arrangements explains the delays.

Frank, 53, was dismissed by Spurs in February after winning just seven of 26 Premier League games. Palace identified him as their preferred choice ahead of other candidates including Sean Dyche, Rob Edwards and Vitor Pereira, though some outside the club have questioned whether he is the right fit to save them from a relegation battle.