Pierre Sage, who has not yet been relieved of his duties by Crystal Palace, is the frontrunner to take over at RC Lens, as per a report from L’Équipe.

Yannick Cahuzac has been sacked by Lens after an ill-fated nine-game stint. He replaced Dino Toppmoller in September, who himself succeeded Sage in the role. The Frenchman could make a spectacular return. Contrary to a report from Fabrizio Romano, sources in France indicate that Sage would be open to taking the job at the Bollaert.

In any case, he must first depart Crystal Palace, who, in order to thwart the Frenchman’s return to Les Sang et Or, could keep him on their payroll, despite taking him off his first-team managerial duties, L’Équipe understands.

That could prevent a return, with Lens insisting on hiring a manager who is not under contract elsewhere. Thiago Motta, who proposed his candidacy at Olympique Lyonnais earlier this month, is also a candidate for the role at Lens. Didier Digard also remains a contender.