According to the Daily Mail, Patrick Vieira will have a pretty hefty transfer budget to play with at Crystal Palace, once he replaces Roy Hodgson.
What’s the story?
Well, the Daily Mail believe Crystal Palace will hand the Frenchman an £80 million war chest to strengthen the squad this summer.
Vieira is on the verge of becoming the next man to roam the Selhurst Park dugout, after moves for Lucien Favre and Nuno Espírito Santo collapsed.
Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman have taken quite a bold decision in hiring the 45-year-old, who hasn’t really done too much in management yet.
Vieira has led New York City and OGC Nice, the latter of whom sacked him following a poor run of form.
Nevertheless, the south Londoners have seen something in him worth taking a gamble on.
Only time will tell how the decision turns out.
Why wasn’t Frank Lampard hired?
Now, if the Eagles are going for a Premier League legend with little managerial experience, why wouldn’t they choose Frank Lampard?
The 43-year-old has managed both Derby and Chelsea, so he has experience of managing in the Premier League, whereas Vieira does not.
It would make more sense to hire Lampard, in our view.
However, the Daily Mail are claiming that Lampard told Crystal Palace he didn’t want the job after speaking to the south Londoners.
If Vieira really does have £80 million to spend, it will be fascinating to see what he does with it.
One thing is for certain.
This depleted Crystal Palace squad, with only ten senior players returning for pre-season training, desperately needs some investment.
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