CRYSTAL PALACE are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Patrick Vieira.
And the Eagles could line up very differently if they bring in Michael Carrick from Middlesbrough.
The former Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham star has worked wonders with his Championship side after taking over from Chris Wilder in October.
Boro are third in the table, just six points behind second-place Sheffield United.
And they look certain to reach the playoffs with their attractive style of football.
However, Palace are desperate to appoint a new manager to save them from the Premier League drop.
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And reports claim Carrick could be on his way to replace Vieira shortly.
Should the ex-England international take charge and keep Palace up, he could then embark on a tasty transfer spree in the summer market.
Wilfried Zaha looks likely to depart when his deal expires, freeing up plenty of room in the wage budget.
And Carrick could first raid Middlesbrough for star striker Chuba Akpom.
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The 27-year-old has 24 goals in all competitions this term.
And his presence would go some way towards solving Palace’s problems in front of goal.
Elsewhere, Carrick could also be set to return to former side United for no less than THREE stars.
Donny van de Beek would be a suitable candidate to line up in midfield should he finally overcome his injury problems.
The Dutchman is unlikely to remain at Old Trafford.
And he could jump at the chance of restarting his Premier League career in south-east London.
Elsewhere, Antony Elanga could be the ideal replacement on the left wing for Zaha.
He too is out of the picture under Erik ten Hag despite showing his class in England’s top flight.
Finally, there could be a sensational homecoming for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
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The right-back was a target for old side Palace in January before a sharp rise in form.
But United are still making plans to sign an elite right-back, which would make Wan-Bissaka redundant.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
