Alan Pardew to Crystal Palace: Newcastle manager on the brink of move to Selhurst Park

The London club would have to pay a hefty buy-out clause to bring Pardew to Selhurst Park

Alan Pardew said: ‘I love the cup competitions but I’ve not really had too much joy here’ (Getty Images)

Alan Pardew is on the brink of moving to Crystal Palace, with the Premier League strugglers reportedly agreeing a compensation package to snatch him away from Newcastle.

Palace have been without a manager since disposing of Neil Warnock the day after Boxing Day. Caretaker Keith Millen has expressed a desire to take the job full-time, however it's understood Crystal Palace want Pardew instead.

Newcastle released a statement that confirmed Palace had made a formal approach for their manager.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Crystal Palace have made a formal approach requesting permission to speak to Alan Pardew in relation to their vacant managerial position. Crystal Palace have offered compensation at a level whereby Alan has now been permitted to speak to them.

"As a result of this development today, Alan will not be at training on Tuesday. Training will be the responsibility of assistant manager John Carver. The club will make a further announcement in due course."

Bookmakers also suspended betting on Pardew's appointment at Selhurst Park.

Rumours that the 53-year-old could leave St James' Park increased on Sunday night when he failed to attend any scheduled post-match press conferences after Newcastle's 3-2 win over Everton. It's thought he opted not to speak to the media in order to avoid questions about the vacancy at Selhurst Park.

Should Pardew be willing to move south, Crystal Palace would have to meet a hefty buy-out clause in his Newcastle contract. Whilst a figure of around £6m was suggested, it's thought the clubs could come to an agreement closer to £2m.

Whilst Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has stood by Pardew through some difficult times, including earlier this season when many fans were demanding the manager's removal and last season when Pardew headbutted Stephen Myler, the businessman would be unlikely to stand in Pardew's way if the buy-out clause was met.

Fans call for the head of Alan Pardew at the match between Newcastle and Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

Pardew has always made clear his desire to manage Newcastle, who he once took to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League during his four year spell in charge. However, despite five-years remaining on his contract, it's thought that he could be tempted away considering the demands of his role on Tyneside. That he played for Crystal Palace between 1987 and 1991 would ensure he has an immediate affinity with the club.

Tim Sherwood, Steve Bruce, Chris Hughton and Glenn Hoddle are some of the others to have been linked with becoming the next Crystal Palace manager.

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