Alan Pardew to Crystal Palace: Newcastle manager on verge of St James' Park exit

Pardew understood to be holding talks with Selhurst Park club

Alan Pardew (GETTY IMAGES)

Alan Pardew is understood to be holding talks with Crystal Palace today about succeeding Neil Warnock at Selhurst Park.

The Newcastle manager was given permission last night to speak to the struggling London club and it is expected a deal will be reached imminently.

Palace have been without a manager since disposing of Warnock the day after Boxing Day. Caretaker Keith Millen had expressed a desire to take the job full-time, however Palace moved for 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 were fuelled 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 move south, Crystal Palace will 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 have reached 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 he head-butted Stephen Myler, the businessman has agreed to let him leave.

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 has been tempted away due to the unique demands of his role on Tyneside and the lack of support from fans. That he played for Crystal Palace between 1987 and 1991 will ensure he has an immediate affinity with the supporters at Selhurst Park.