Ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is believed to be on Crystal Palace's radar. Frank, 53, was sacked by the north Londoners in February, where he left Spurs in 16th place.

The Dane was identified as a target for Palace soon after his exit and, eight months later, he is being linked again. The Eagles are currently managed by the under pressure Pierre Sage, who recently witnessed his side be hammered 5-0 by fierce rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.

Palace were 3-0 down within 10 minutes at the Amex Stadium, where they were pulled apart by the Seagulls and mocked by the home side's jubilant fans. They have also only won two of their opening seven Premier League matches this season.

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The Guardian understands the club are willing to give the ex-Lyon boss some time to fix their defensive and injury issues. However, it's also believed Sage was "warned" things must improve drastically after the horror show against Brighton.

The pummelling also mean no team in the Premier League has conceded as many goals as Palace's 17 this season. It's also understood Palace chairman Steve Parish has made it clear Sage is under pressure, even though the French manager is expected to be in charge for the Europa League clash against Besiktas and the home game against Newcastle United.

Ex-Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Frank are believed to be the main contenders if they club decide to sack Sage. If the Frenchman departed after the game against Newcastle on October 25th, Frank could return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as manager of the south Londoners if he is appointed before Halloween.

Palace and Spurs face each other in north London on October 31, with Palace taking on Fulham in the fourth round of the League Cup on October 28.

It would be quite the reunion, particularly if he is able to steal a win over his former employers, who moved up to 16th place by beating Coventry City 3-1. In the summer, Frank concluded it would be too soon for him to return to management.

In a statement before the World Cup, which saw him carry out punditry roles for the BBC and Danish television, he said he wanted to take some time away from football to be with his family. He also admitted to turning down some approaches from other clubs interested in his services.

He said: "Leaving Tottenham has given me the chance to step back and reflect on my journey so far. Football management is a profession that demands complete commitment every single day, and periods like this are a rare opportunity to assess, learn and gain a fresh perspective.

"From the outside, it may have looked like a time of many challenges at Tottenham when results were not what we wanted. From within, however, it becomes clear why the club is so special - full of talented people who work tirelessly every day. I have no doubt Tottenham has a bright future."

He also added: "There have been conversations and opportunities since leaving Spurs, but I have decided not to rush into the next role. For me, this summer is not the right time to go back into management. When the time is right, I will look forward to my return as a manager, ready to embrace the job with great energy and dedication."