Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp will work under a new manager at Crystal Palace after the club appointed former Nice and Manchester City coach Patrick Viera as their new coach after the departure of Roy Hodgson.

Crystal Palace have appointed Patrick Vieira as their new manager on a three-year contract.

Palace wanted a new boss in charge ahead of Monday's return to pre-season training.

Talks in London throughout the week went well after an initial agreement was reached on Tuesday.

Palace's initial preference was to appoint a manager with Premier League experience but with time ticking and a number of players contemplating their contractual situations, the club has relaxed its requirements to help speed up the appointment.


Sporting director Dougie Freedman will work closely with Vieira on all football matters, primarily transfers - an area that caused talks with Nuno Espirito Santo to break down three weeks ago.

"I am really excited to have this opportunity to return to the Premier League, and manage this great football club, as we begin a new chapter together," said Vieira.

"It is a project that is really appealing to me, having spoken a lot with the Chairman and Sporting Director about their ambition and plans for the whole club including the Academy. The club has fantastic foundations in place after many years in the Premier League, and I hope we can make further improvements and continue to drive the club forward.

Vieira was not first choice but Palace's quick decision to turn to him after Lucien Favre's last-minute U-turn ensures contract talks with a number of players will involve the new boss.

One out-of-contract player Vieira cannot call upon is Patrick van Aanholt, who has decided to leave the club to seek a fresh challenge.

Vieira last managed Ligue 1 club Nice, first taking charge in the summer of 2018 before being sacked in December last year following a run of five defeats in all competitions.