Crystal Palace have opened talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage as the Premier League club searches for a new head coach following Oliver Glasner's departure at the end of last season.

BBC Sport first reported last week that Sage had emerged as a leading candidate for the role at Selhurst Park. The club have since held direct conversations with the Frenchman, 47, and have approached Lens to negotiate a financial settlement to release him from his contract with the Ligue 1 side.

Sage's impressive record at Lens

Sage took charge at Lens in June last year and made an immediate impact, guiding the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1. His tenure also delivered a historic milestone — Lens defeated Nice to claim the Coupe de France for the first time in the club's 120-year history.

Iraola deal fell through

Palace's pursuit of Sage follows the collapse of their attempts to sign their original top target, Andoni Iraola. The Eagles had tabled a formal proposal to the Spaniard, but Iraola has since committed to Liverpool, agreeing a two-year contract at Anfield.

With Iraola off the table, Palace cast a wider net before settling on Sage as their preferred option. Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, and Sean Dyche were among the names considered during that process.

Crystal Palace are yet to formally appoint a successor to Glasner as negotiations with Lens over Sage's release continue.