Former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest manager Vítor Pereira has emerged as a potential candidate to take over at Crystal Palace, with the Portuguese coach reportedly making himself available as pressure mounts on current boss Pierre Sage.
The 58-year-old is understood to be interested in returning to Premier League management following his departure from Nottingham Forest during the summer, and could be considered if Palace decide to dismiss Sage after a disastrous start to the season.
Pereira’s emergence comes as the Eagles struggle near the relegation zone, having recorded just two victories in their opening eight Premier League matches.
Their latest setback was a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, which followed a humiliating 5-0 loss to bitter rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and intensified speculation over Sage’s future.
Vítor Pereira eyes Premier League return
Pereira is among several experienced managers being linked with the Crystal Palace position as the club’s hierarchy examines possible replacements for Sage.
The Portuguese tactician, who previously managed Wolves before taking charge of Nottingham Forest, is reportedly keen to secure another opportunity in English football.
His most recent appointment at the City Ground ended during the summer, leaving him available for a return to management without Palace having to negotiate compensation with another club.
Pereira replaced Sean Dyche at Nottingham Forest after the Englishman was dismissed in February, but his own tenure proved relatively short-lived.
Despite those setbacks, Pereira has considerable experience managing clubs across Europe and beyond, including Porto, Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe.
He won consecutive Portuguese league titles with Porto and has also enjoyed domestic success in Greece and China.
His experience of managing clubs facing difficult circumstances could appeal to Crystal Palace, particularly if the club’s leadership concludes that a managerial change is necessary to prevent a prolonged relegation battle.
However, there is no confirmation that Palace have formally approached Pereira or offered him the position.
Crystal Palace crisis deepens after Newcastle defeat
The managerial speculation follows an alarming start to the campaign under Sage, who was appointed during the summer to replace Oliver Glasner.
Palace have won only twice in their opening eight league fixtures and have struggled defensively, conceding 19 goals, the highest total in the Premier League at this stage of the season.
Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle at Selhurst Park further exposed the team’s difficulties.
Goals from William Osula and Harvey Barnes condemned Palace to another damaging result, with frustrated supporters booing the players off the pitch at full-time.
The defeat came just a week after Palace were thrashed 5-0 by Brighton, a result that reportedly prompted senior figures at the club to begin examining potential managerial alternatives.
Chairman Steve Parish and the club’s leadership are understood to be conducting due diligence on possible replacements, although no final decision has been announced.
Sage, who arrived after an impressive spell in French football with Lens, has maintained that he retains the backing of the club’s hierarchy.
The Frenchman has also indicated that his discussions with Parish have focused on improving performances rather than his immediate future.
Nevertheless, the club’s league position and deteriorating results have increased scrutiny of his appointment.
Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank provide competition
Pereira is not the only experienced manager being considered as Crystal Palace assess their options.
Former Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has also made himself available and is reportedly among the leading candidates should Palace decide to make a change.
Dyche has extensive experience of Premier League relegation battles following his spells with Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest.
His reputation for organising defensively disciplined teams could make him an attractive option for a Palace side struggling to keep opponents out.
Former Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has also been linked with the position.
The Danish coach is reportedly interested in returning to management and would welcome an opportunity to remain in London.
Other names associated with the job include former Wolves and Luton Town manager Rob Edwards, Scott Parker and former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna.
McKenna is understood to have admirers within the Palace hierarchy, although appointing him could involve a substantial compensation payment despite his departure from Ipswich.
Edwards also has an influential admirer in Palace sporting director Matt Hobbs, who previously worked at Wolves.
Palace face crucial decision over Sage’s future
For Pereira, the uncertainty at Selhurst Park represents a possible route back into Premier League football just months after his departure from Nottingham Forest.
However, Palace’s interest remains at the preliminary stage, with the club yet to confirm whether it intends to replace Sage.
Reports suggesting that Dyche is among the frontrunners also indicate that Pereira faces competition from several established Premier League managers.
The Palace hierarchy must now decide whether to give Sage more time to reverse the club’s poor form or appoint a replacement capable of producing an immediate improvement.
With the Eagles hovering dangerously close to the relegation places, the coming fixtures could prove decisive.
For now, Pereira remains available and interested, but any move to Selhurst Park will depend on Palace’s decision over Sage and the direction the club wants to take.
