Crystal Palace have endured a difficult start to the new season, prompting chairman Steve Parish to consider his options regarding manager Pierre Sage, who wanted Liverpool job in the summer.
The Eagles sit 17th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, after winning only two of their first eight league matches.
Sunday’s disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United raised further concerns, with Palace struggling to create chances and showing defensive vulnerabilities before being booed off by their supporters.
With the demands of Europa League football adding to their domestic schedule, Palace risk becoming embroiled in a relegation battle if their results do not improve.
Contingency plans are reportedly being considered, with Sean Dyche, Thomas Frank and Vitor Pereira among the names attracting interest.
Former Liverpool coach Vitor Matos has also been linked with the job as he potentially looks to take the next step in his managerial career.
According to The i Paper, appointing Matos would require Palace to pay Swansea City considerable compensation, with four years remaining on his contract.
That could prove a costly move for the Eagles, who only paid Lens around £4million to release Sage from his contract just months ago.
Vitor Matos has enjoyed a rapid rise in coaching. After struggling to establish himself as a player, he turned to coaching, working in Porto’s academy before joining Liverpool in 2019.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Matos served as elite development coach, bridging the gap between the academy and the first team until Klopp’s departure in 2024. He then joined RB Salzburg alongside Pep Lijnders before taking his first head-coaching role at Portuguese side Marítimo.
Swansea City soon came calling, and Matos guided the Championship club to an 11th-place finish before signing a contract extension until 2030.
Backed by investment in the summer transfer market, Swansea have made an impressive start to the new campaign, winning seven of their first 12 matches to sit second in the table.
A move to Crystal Palace could offer Matos a Premier League opportunity, potentially putting him in the dugout for the Eagles’ clash with his former club Liverpool on November 8.
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