Lens are expected to sit down with Crystal Palace to discuss a deal for Pierre Sage in the coming days.
L’Equipe report that negotiations between the two clubs are planned, despite Sage and Lens announcing that they are going their separate ways this week.
Lens exit agreed
The newspaper covers Pierre Sage’s situation today and how a rift developed between him and Lens’ leadership over the last few weeks.
While Sage has delivered an unbelievable season for Lens, with a Coup de France win and second placed finish in Ligue 1, tensions have risen behind the scenes.
He informed the club’s leadership on Tuesday evening of his wish to leave the club after one season. That coincided with reports Crystal Palace have made him their number one choice to replace Oliver Glasner.
That news didn’t come as a surprise to Lens’ leadership. They realised a separation was imminent in the media tour following their cup win. Sage explained during those celebrations that while his heart was in Lens, he was highly sought-after and needed to assess his options. Now he’s made it clear that he wishes to leave.
“His departure is understandable in principle, given his personal ambition and his desire to maximize his market value” a source told the newspaper.
“But the way it was handled is still disappointing. It would have been impossible to mend fences after these last few days.”
Crystal Palace talks
The separation has now been ‘morally agreed’ but not formalised on an administrative level. Pierre Sage still has two years left on his deal. And the French side are determined to ‘stand firm’ and be uncompromising with any interested parties.
Talks are expected to take place with Crystal Palace in the coming days. They’re the overwhelming favourites to hire him, despite suitors in the Middle East, notably Saudi Arabia.
He is the Eagles number one man to replace Glasner this summer. Sage could earn triple his current salary of €100,000 gross per month at Selhurst Park.
But he’s keen on the project, which ‘primarily fulfil the Premier League ambitions of the former Lyon coach.’ First, though, Lille have to agree a deal with Crystal Palace that they find acceptable.
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