Report: Crystal Palace end talks with Nuno; will now target alternative managers

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Crystal Palace have ended talks with Nuno Espirito Santo despite previous reports suggesting a deal between the parties was close.

The Daily Mail report that the south London side have walked away from appointing the Portuguese manager after Nuno made a series of demands to Palace.

These requests have seemingly put the nail in the coffin for the 47-year-old coach joining the club.

As per the report, Wolves finishing just one point above Palace in the Premier League was a key contributing factor behind why the Eagles refused to meet a set of new demands made by Nuno at the eleventh hour.

Crystal Palace looked set to appoint Nuno

Nuno was widely expected to join Palace this week after reports from Sky Sports News and the Telegraph all indicated that the former Wolves boss was heading to the Eagles.

Indeed, Palace will now have to return to the drawing board to identify a manager to replace Roy Hodgson.

Furthermore, Palace have taken the decision to explore alternative targets. As per the report, Steve Cooper and Sean Dyche are among those the south London club have an interest in.

A blow for both parties

On paper, the prospect of Nuno taking over at Palace sounded like an exciting one.

Moreover, the Portuguese coach was key to Wolves becoming a solid outlet in the Premier League. Nuno also guided the Molineux club to the UEFA Europa League knockout rounds in 2020.

With a fanbase as passionate as Palace’s, Nuno would ideal to take the club into a new era. But, with talks now dead in the water, the Eagles will have to look elsewhere for a coach that fits the profile they’re looking for.