Sources: Thomas Frank to Crystal Palace update

Crystal Palace in advanced talks with Thomas Frank to replace sacked Pierre Sage; deal expected soon pending backroom staff negotiations.

Crystal Palace are pushing forward in talks with Thomas Frank to become their next manager, sources have told Football Insider. The 53-year-old has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Pierre Sage, who was dismissed earlier this week with the Eagles sitting bottom of the Premier League table.

Talks have been ongoing in recent days, with growing optimism that a deal will be agreed before too long. New talks were held with Frank following the 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim last Thursday, and there is now a belief he is in pole position to land the job in the near future.

Frank has a number of backers on the Palace board, who have been impressed by his work and believe he is the right man to turn their nightmare season around.

Crystal Palace are keen to provide Frank with their backing by bringing in a number of his most trusted allies, as they did with Sage following his arrival from Lens. While the deal is not expected to face any major issues, ongoing negotiations over his backroom staff explain the delays surrounding Frank's official appointment.