Three players Mauricio Pellegrino could bring to Crystal Palace if appointed – including exit-linked Newcastle United favourite

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The Crystal Palace-linked boss can count Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez among a vast network of contacts, having worked with the Spaniard at Liverpool.

Former Alaves boss Mauricio Pellegrino

Recently departed Alaves boss Mauricio Pellegrino is the latest to be linked with the vacant Crystal Palace position.

The 45-year-old led the newly promoted side to ninth in La Liga this past campaign, which ended in defeat to Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey, but resigned from his post earlier this week.

Could he be Palace bound? And, if so, who might he target for moves to Selhurst Park?

Perhaps the following trio of Alaves, Newcastle United and Liverpool players…

Fernando Pacheco [Alaves]

Pellegrino’s trusted number 1 at Alaves, Pacheco could solve Palace’s problems between the sticks, with Julian Speroni and Wayne Hennessey out of contract and Steve Mandanda allegedly wanted back home. Having said that, the Argentine may have to compete with Real Madrid, who have a buy-back option on the 25-year-old and could be willing to exercise it, so say reports in Spain.

Ciaran Clark [Newcastle United]

Not a player he’s worked with before, but one whose signature Pellegrino could use his vast contacts to acquire. Some reports suggest Clark could be on his way out of Newcastle this summer, with manager Rafa Benitez – who signed the prospective Palace boss and later made him first-team coach at Liverpool – eyeing reinforcements at centre-back. Palace may need to do likewise if Mamadou Sakho doesn’t return.

Lucas Leiva [Liverpool]

As mentioned above, Pellegrino coached Lucas while on Benitez’s staff at Anfied, and a reunion down the Palace could appeal to the the Brazilian, who is out of contract at the end of next season and facing an uncertain future, having started 12 Premier League games this past campaign. Palace are expected to release Joe Ledley, which could facilitate a move for Lucas.