Crystal Palace could hire Thomas Frank to replace Oliver Glasner this summer.
A story from The Sun states that the Dane has risen to the top of the shortlist as Steve Parish aims to find a replacement for the Austrian, who has already announced he will depart Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
Frank oversaw a remarkable job at Brentford – turning the Bees into an established Premier League side after promotion from the Championship in 2021 – but lasted just eight months at Tottenham this season after a concerning run of two wins in 17 Premier League outings.
The 52-year-old also failed to get along with Brennan Johnson, who he would be reunited with if a move to Crystal Palace does materialise this summer.
Brennan Johnson would surely prefer Crystal Palace not to hire Thomas Frank
Despite finishing as the top scorer at Spurs last season with 18 goals in 51 appearances, the Wales international made just six Premier League starts under Frank at Tottenham before his £35m escape to south London in January.
Frank said it became a “little bit trickier” to get Johnson involved following the arrival of Mohammed Kudus, telling reporters back in December: “Brennan is a very important player for us. Sometimes things change if another player comes in. Unfortunately, Kudus came in, played on the right side and did well, so it has been a little bit trickier (for Johnson) to get enough starts.”
The Welshman is still hunting for his first Crystal Palace goal after 12 appearances for the Eagles, so the last thing he will want is for a manager who effectively gave up on him to move to Selhurst Park as well.
Parish will also surely have concerns about the pair failing to get on. Johnson was by no means a cheap addition, and Crystal Palace cannot afford to see that £35m investment fail.
Thomas Frank appointment would increase chances of Ethan Pinnock deal
While Johnson may not want Frank at Crystal Palace, the appointment could attract Ethan Pinnock to Selhurst Park.
Parish targeted the Brentford No.5 during the winter transfer window after Marc Guehi left for Manchester City, with Graeme Bailey claiming on TEAMtalk that discussions took place over a deal to sign the 32-year-old.
Ruben Kluivert was a target too – but snubbed Crystal Palace to stay at Lyon.
Pinnock has made just three Premier League starts under Keith Andrews at Brentford this season, but made 208 appearances under Frank for the Bees in what was a highly effective partnership.
So, if the Dane ends up in south London, the Jamaica international may jump at the chance to follow, especially as he approaches the final 12 months of his contract at Brentford.
