Crystal Palace's search for a new manager continues to dominate headlines following Oliver Glasner's departure, with Pierre Sage still viewed as the leading candidate to take charge at Selhurst Park.

Reports earlier this week indicated that Palace were in advanced talks with the former Lens boss after identifying him as their preferred replacement.

Sage enhanced his reputation significantly in France and is understood to be keen on the move, with discussions progressing between the two parties.

Palace had previously considered other options, including Andoni Iraola before his move to Liverpool, while Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna was also discussed internally as the club assessed the market.

Finding a successor to Glasner is a major decision for the Eagles.

The Austrian left the club after overseeing the most successful period in Palace's history, culminating in their Conference League triumph in Leipzig and the club's first major European trophy.

One name that had been linked with the vacancy was Thomas Frank.

Thomas Frank breaks silence after Crystal Palace talks

According to talkSPORT, the former Tottenham boss held discussions with Palace following his departure from Spurs earlier this year.

Frank was also linked with Fulham after Marco Silva's move to Benfica left a vacancy at Craven Cottage, with several reports placing the Dane on both clubs' managerial shortlists.

However, any hopes of Palace, Fulham or another Premier League club appointing Frank this summer now appear to have been ended.

Speaking in a statement, Frank confirmed he has no intention of returning to management before the new season.

The statement effectively removes Frank from the managerial market for the remainder of the summer.

That development could indirectly benefit Palace as they continue focusing their efforts elsewhere rather than becoming involved in a prolonged pursuit of a coach who is not ready to return to the dugout.

For Frank, the decision follows a difficult spell at Tottenham.

After arriving with a strong reputation built during his years at Brentford, his time in north London proved far more challenging and ended with his dismissal in February.

Since then, speculation has linked him with several vacancies across Europe and the Premier League.

Palace, meanwhile, appear to be moving in a different direction.

Sage remains the frontrunner as talks continue, and yhe club are keen to have a new head coach in place as quickly as possible to begin preparations for a season that will include another European campaign.