Sean Dyche is a front-runner for the Crystal Palace job should the club part ways with Pierre Sage after the damaging defeat to Newcastle.

Dyche, 55, has been out of management since February when he was dismissed at Nottingham Forest and a factor for clubs looking at him as an option has been whether he can be tempted back into management.

But he has been a prominent figure as Palace have assessed their situation after a poor start to the season under Sage, who has won two Premier League matches since his appointment four months ago.

Dyche had an excellent record in relegation battles – which Palace may now face – during his decade at Burnley, when he got them promoted to the Premier League twice and kept them in the top flight for six consecutive seasons before his dismissal in 2022.

He also ensured survival for Everton during his time at Goodison Park before his short spell at Forest, which lasted four months last season. Dyche has had a media presence during his spell away from the dugout and it would have to be determined whether he wishes to return.

As reported by Telegraph Sport last week, Sage faced two crucial games for his future at Selhurst Park. Despite an improvement in performance from the 5-0 defeat to rivals Brighton, his team still dropped Europa League points against Besiktas on Thursday evening.

And he is under intense pressure following the defeat to out-of-form Newcastle, who won 2-0 through goals from Will Osula and Harvey Barnes.

Thomas Frank, the former Brentford manager, was on Palace’s shortlist during the summer when they appointed Sage, while Vitor Pereira is expected to come into contention for teams that are battling relegation, having saved Wolves and Forest in his previous jobs.

The defeat to Newcastle left Palace one point above the relegation zone and face Tottenham and Liverpool in the Premier League before the next international break.