Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has revealed he will make a decision on his future at the club within the next few weeks, with his contract set to expire this summer. The Austrian is already being heavily linked with the soon-to-be-vacant managerial position at Manchester United.
Contract Talks on Hold Amid Fixture Pile-Up
Glasner confirmed that discussions over a new deal with Palace chairman Steve Parish had been paused due to the team's relentless schedule. The Eagles have been playing twice a week since late August because of their involvement in European competition.
"I think in the next weeks we will intensify the talks," Glasner stated. He explained that after the FA Cup tie against Macclesfield, the squad would get a brief break before a crucial four-week period where contract negotiations would resume in earnest.
When asked about the speculation connecting him to Manchester United, the 51-year-old remained pragmatic. "I don't really care about it, because I can't affect it if there are rumours," he said, adding that the length of a contract in modern football offers little guarantee of a manager's future.
Guéhi's Future Hangs in the Balance
In a significant admission, Glasner also opened the door for captain Marc Guéhi to leave the club this month. The England defender's contract expires in the summer, and Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for the centre-back.
Palace are believed to value their skipper at around £40 million. Glasner conceded that while everyone at the club wants Guéhi to stay, financial realities could force a sale.
"There will be a threshold where the club has to say [sell]," Glasner explained. "If the player says: 'I want to leave' and the money is above the threshold, it will happen. I'm not so naive not to know that if a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen."
Injury Crisis and Transfer Window Plans
The Palace boss confirmed the team's injury woes continue, with Nathaniel Clyne and Jefferson Lerma ruled out for the upcoming match against Aston Villa. However, Chris Richards is set to return to the substitutes' bench after recovering from a foot injury.
Glasner said he is in "constant discussion" with Parish about bringing in reinforcements during the January transfer window, following the club-record £35 million signing of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham. He was adamant, however, that the level of backing he receives in the market would not influence his own contract decision.
"Believe me, nothing that happens in the transfer window, nothing, affects my decision, in both directions," he emphasised.
In other news, young midfielder Romain Esse is expected to join Championship side Coventry City on a loan deal until the end of the current season.
