Crystal Palace's discussions with Thomas Frank are understood to have reached the closing stages amid growing hope that a deal can be struck before the start of next week when players start trickling back from international duty.

The Eagles believe Thomas Frank is the man to lead the club away from relegation trouble.

The club have explored other options, with former Everton and Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche and Toulouse manager Jens Berthel Askou among them.

But Frank is viewed as the overwhelming favourite to replace Pierre Sage, whose failure to instil defensive robustness to the team was a key factor in his sacking.

Danish coach Frank has been out of work since being dismissed by Tottenham in February and decided over the summer not to take a job in the close season.

In recent weeks, it is understood Fulham have taken an interest in Frank's situation amid some uncertainty over Alvaro Arbeloa's future.

But the Whites' results have picked up and Palace have made their move.