Graham Potter ‘is Crystal Palace’s top choice to be their new manager’

Graham Potter is Crystal Palace’s first choice as they search for a new manager, according to reports.

Roy Hodgson’s short-term contract at Selhurst Park comes to an end this summer.

Veteran Hodgson, 75, took over in March to guide his boyhood side to the end of the season after his successor in south London, Patrick Vieira, was sacked in March.

So Palace are looking for a new permanent boss – though Hodgson has not been totally ruled out as an option. 

And as reported by the Independent, the club views Potter as the ‘ideal’ choice to take them forward.

The 48-year-old boss (right) is currently out of work after being sacked by Chelsea in April

Veteran Roy Hodgson’s short-term contract at Selhurst Park comes to an end this summer

The Eagles reportedly believe they can provide him with a ‘convincing’ offer, including the chance to manage an ambitious team with some of the brightest young players in the division, including Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

Palace, in turn, want those stars to shine in a more progressive and attacking style of play, which they believe Potter can implement.

But they will face significant competition from other Premier League clubs in their bid to land the former Chelsea and Brighton boss. 

Potter is currently out of work after being sacked by the Blues in April. Before that, he managed Palace’s bitter rivals Brighton, though that does not seem to be a barrier to the move.

Any club keen on appointing the 48-year-old, however, will have to persuade him to re-enter management as he considers a break after his turbulent Stamford Bridge  spell and subsequent exit. 

French outlet Foot Mercato has claimed Potter has held talks with Palace, as well as Ligue 1 side Nice.

Tottenham are one of the sides weighing up appointing Potter, though the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann are also thought to be in the running.

Leicester were linked with Potter too, but their relegation to the Championship makes them a less attractive prospect.