Next Crystal Palace manager: Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid Aitor Karanka to fly in for talks

Aitor Karanka was Jose Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid last season (AFP/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace are set to hold more talks with Jose Mourinho’s former assistant at Real Madrid on Monday as they step up their search for a replacement for Ian Holloway.

Aitor Karanka – who left his post at the Bernabeu when Mourinho joined Chelsea in the summer – has emerged as the favourite in recent days after making it clear he would be interested in managing in the Premier League.

It is understood that co-chairman Steve Parish held preliminary talks with the former defender last week and he is set to arrive in London after the weekend to continue negotiations. Karanka reportedly turned down the chance to work under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge because he wanted to take on a more senior role.

After Tony Pulis turned down an initial approach, the Wales manager Chris Coleman has been the bookmakers’ favourite but he drifted yesterday having held talks over a contract extension with the Welsh FA.

Caretaker Keith Millen takes charge of his third match since Holloway left by mutual consent last month as Palace attempt to avoid a seventh successive Premier League defeat when they face Everton at Selhurst Park this afternoon.