Report names ‘exceptional’ manager Palace wanted after Nuno talks and before Favre approach

Thu 24 June 2021 21:15, UK

Crystal Palace look set to appoint Lucien Favre as their new manager in the coming days.

The Eagles have been searching for a new boss since Roy Hodgson left the club at the end of his contract.

As is often the case when it comes to managerial searches, it’s not been smooth sailing for Palace up until now.

The Eagles were seemingly in advanced talks for former Wolves boss Nuno, but they eventually pulled the plug on discussions.

Now, according to , Palace had set their sights on another manager after the failed Nuno talks.

They cite sources claiming the Eagles focused on Steve Cooper, who has impressed during his time with Swansea.

However, the Championship side reportedly met Palace’s interest with fierce resistance.

They apparently declined to grant their boss permission to speak with Palace until his £3million release clause was met.

Palace refused to pay up, while Swansea saw this as non-negotiable, so talks broke down, added .

Palace manager search led them to ask about “exceptional” coach

Cooper began his coaching career in 1998 at Wrexham’s academy.

He then joined Liverpool’s academy in 2008 and spent five years coaching the young Reds.

Cooper then turned his attention to international football, steering England’s Under-17s to the World Cup in 2017.

The Welshman has been at Swansea since 2019 and got them to the Championship playoffs in the past two seasons.

Cooper has enjoyed a superb career trajectory, taking a step up with every role he’s held.

He has been lauded by his peers, including Tony Pulis, who that he was doing an “exceptional job” at Swansea.