On the latest edition of Touchline Talk, transfer expert Dean Jones has been discussing the frontrunners in Crystal Palace’s manager search.
One name which has been heavily linked with a move to Selhurst Park is the current Swansea manager, Steve Cooper.
Would you be happy with Steve Cooper at Selhurst Park?
No
Yes
The 41-year-old has reportedly already had interviews with the Eagles over potentially making the switch to south London this summer following the departure of Roy Hodgson.
Swansea recently lost in the Championship play-off final and therefore will not be playing Premier League football next season.
However, Jones believes even had the Swans been promoted, Cooper would still have considered the potential switch.
He said: “I think the owners, the American owners, are really keen on Steve Cooper, and they’re kind of driving that end of things.
“I think there are people on the ground at Crystal Palace that still aren’t 100% convinced. You’ve heard [he’s had] two interviews; I’ve heard four, so like somewhere in between that – maybe he’s had three. But he’s definitely been in regular dialogue and Palace have been looking into it.
“And I was told that to be honest, even if Swansea were promoted he would be willing to take the job because it’s such a jump. So he’s still in the frame, I believe. “
TIF Thoughts on Palace’s manager search…
Cooper would certainly make for an interesting choice. At a time when football teams are expected to struggle financially, surely the only real goal for Crystal Palace next season is to survive?
With this in mind, we think looking at the unemployed Nuno Espirito Santo could provide the Eagles with a safer alternative with the Portuguese manager’s wealth of Premier League experience.
Another alternative could be Eddie Howe, who recently ended talks with Celtic over their own manager’s position, however, with Carlo Ancelotti’s recent departure at Everton, Palace may want to speed up their process if they hope to not miss out on available options.
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