Sean Dyche emerges as leading candidate to replace Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace

Sean Dyche is the leading contender to become Crystal Palace manager if Pierre Sage is dismissed.

Palace’s difficult start to the season continued with a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle in the Premier League, their latest loss under the Frenchman.

Sage, previously manager of Lens, has overseen Palace since the beginning of the current campaign. During that period, the club have won four matches, drawn two and lost six.

In the Premier League, Palace have managed only two victories from their opening eight games. They are 17th in the table with seven points and have conceded 19 goals – the worst defensive record in the competition.

Dyche has been out of work since February, when he was dismissed by Nottingham Forest. Taking charge at Palace would therefore mark his return to management for the first time since then.

The 54-year-old has extensive Premier League experience, having previously managed Watford, Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest. Across those roles, he has taken charge of more than 600 matches.

Palace’s next fixture is against Fulham in the English League Cup on Tuesday. They then face Tottenham in the Premier League on 31 October, before the international break.