Crystal Palace offer managerial vacancy to Nuno Espirito Santo and are waiting on Portuguese’s decision as Eagles look to secure their new boss amid fears of a last-minute swoop from Everton
- Crystal Palace have informed Nuno Espirito Santo they want him as their boss
- The Eagles are after a new manager following Roy Hodgson’s exit this summer
- Nuno, 47, has been out of work for three weeks after leaving Wolves last month
- Palace are wary that Everton could snatch the Portuguese from their grasp
Crystal Palace have informed Nuno Espirito Santo they want him to be their new head coach.
The Eagles are hopeful of getting a definitive answer from the Portuguese boss within the next 48 hours amid concerns Everton could launch a last minute attempt to hijack their move.
Santo has held advanced talks with Palace, who left his position as Wolves manager at the end of last season.
Crystal Palace have informed Nuno Espirito Santo they want him to be their next manager
The Eagles have conducted a thorough search for a replacement for Roy Hodgson this summer
Sportsmail understands the 47-year-old is now aware he is Palace’s preferred candidate to replace Roy Hodgson, who left Selhurst Park three weeks ago.
Palace will seek clarity from Santo on Wednesday amid hope he will accept their proposal, with the ball very much in the former Molineux boss’ court.
However, the south London club want their vacant position filled as a matter of urgency and are prepared to move on to alternative targets if there’s a prolonged delay.
Steve Cooper and Sean Dyche are among the other manager’s Palace have an interest in.
Nuno, 47, is in advanced talks with the club and could be announced later this week
Palace want to secure their new manager as soon as possible and are wary of Everton
Santo is understood to have been hugely impressed with the project Palace have in place during his discussions with club officials.
But if Everton formalise their interest in Santo, that could throw a spanner in the works.
While Santo is very much in pole position to become new Palace boss, the possibility of the Toffees, who lost Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid last week, launching a late bid is a scenario that Palace are wary of.
Crystal Palace are set for a big summer with a number of their ageing squad out of contract
Managing the Merseyside club, who would likely offer Santo a more substantial budget and wage package, could be an attractive proposition for the Portuguese, though as it stands he is favourite to become new Eagles boss ahead of next season.
Meanwhile, Bruno Lage is expected to be appointed as Santo’s successor at Wolves.
Sources have told Sportsmail is ’90 percent’ complete and is expected to be announced over the next few days.