CRYSTAL PALACE are reportedly eyeing up Steve Cooper as a permanent replacement for Patrick Vieira.
Roy Hodgson has returned to see the Eagles through until the end of the season.
But Palace will be on the hunt for a new head coach in the summer after the ex-England manager attempts to steady the ship at Selhurst Park.
Vieira’s sacking – which came after a 12-game winless run – meant Palace sought a quick solution and Hodgson, 75, was readily available as he was enjoying semi-retirement.
But according to The Mail, a long-term appointment is being considered in the form of Nottingham Forest manager Cooper.
Palace are aware he will not be available until the end of the season as he attempts to keep The Tricky Trees from relegation.
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But the Eagles are hoping talks can begin in the summer assuming Hodgson prevents them from dropping out of the Premier League.
They sit three points above the relegation zone in 12th place, one point ahead of Cooper’s Forest.
Tottenham have also been linked with Cooper as a replacement for Antonio Conte.
Conte, 53, is expected to be sacked this week after a scathing rant about his players and club.
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Meanwhile, after re-joining Palace, Hodgson said: “It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club which means so much to me.
“Our sole objective is to start winning matches.
“Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit, and I have no doubt all our supporters will fight with us.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
