Eddie Howe rejects Premier League job with Frank and Dyche in the frame

Eddie Howe has reportedly rejected the chance to return to Premier League management with Crystal Palace, despite being believed to be ready to return to the dugout after leaving Newcastle United in July.

The former Newcastle boss has been approached about replacing Pierre Sage at Selhurst Park, but his decision to turn down the opportunity will inevitably raise further questions about whether he is waiting for another vacancy to emerge.

Howe rejects Palace as Frank and Dyche emerge as contenders

According to The Sun's Jack Rosser, Eddie Howe has turned down the chance to take charge of Crystal Palace following the departure of Pierre Sage.

The Frenchman was dismissed on Monday after just 10 Premier League matches in charge, with Palace sitting bottom of the table as Sunday's 3-1 loss to Liverpool made it four consecutive league defeats. 

Howe, 48, ended his five-year spell at Newcastle in July and is believed to be ready to return to management. However, he has decided against taking the Palace job, leaving the Eagles to consider alternative options.

The Sun reports that former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank is currently the frontrunner, with ex-Nottingham Forest and Everton manager Sean Dyche also in the frame.

Frank has been out of work since leaving Spurs in February, while Dyche has experience of taking teams through difficult relegation battles.

Is Howe holding out for Man Utd?

Howe’s decision to reject Palace is particularly interesting given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Michael Carrick at Man Utd.

The Sun previously reported that Howe has been studying Man Utd and making notes, with the former Newcastle manager viewed as one of the leading contenders should Sir Jim Ratcliffe decide to make a change at Old Trafford.

However, Mauricio Pochettino is also emerging as a serious contender. Reports suggest there is growing support for the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss, potentially creating competition for Howe if the Man Utd job becomes available.

Howe has not publicly confirmed that he is waiting for the Old Trafford vacancy, but turning down Palace while remaining linked with Man Utd will inevitably fuel that speculation.

For now, his next move remains unclear. What is clear is that the former Newcastle boss is being linked with major Premier League vacancies just months after leaving Tyneside.