Chris Coleman set to open talks with Crystal Palace over vacant manager's job

Wales manager played at Palace between 1991 and 1995

Chris Coleman makes a point on the touchline during Wales 3-0 defeat by Serbia in September

Crystal Palace are set to begin talks with Chris Coleman this week about the possibility of him becoming their new manager, replacing Ian Holloway.

Palace, who sit bottom of the Premier League, made their first approach to the Wales manager hours after the Evening Standard revealed he was interested in succeeding Holloway.

The timing of Palace’s move is crucial, as Coleman is considering an offer of a new contract from the Football Association of Wales. He has managed his country since January of last year.

Although Coleman is proud to lead his national team, he wants to return to the Premier League and the chance to do that with Palace, who he played for between 1991-95, appeals to him.

Tony Pulis and Martin O’Neill have also been contacted about the job but Coleman would appear to be in pole position.

Coleman would be the cheapest of the options and former Stoke boss Pulis and ex-Sunderland manager O’Neill are both thought to have reservations given Palace’s plight.

Holloway quit last week following a 4-1 home defeat to Fulham and then admitted he had lost the spirit of the squad. Were Coleman to be appointed then the former Fulham manager is expected to ask that Kit Symons, his No 2 with Wales and another ex-Palace player, follow him to Selhurst Park.

Palace co-owner Steve Parish is keen to hire a director of football after the club’s transfer policy came into question following the arrival of 16 players this summer, some of whom have struggled to get in the team.