Pierre Sage Eyes Crystal Palace Reunion With Trusted Lens Hitman Odsonne Edouard

New Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage is determined to reunite with one of his favourite strikers after identifying Lens hitman Odsonne Edouard as a top summer transfer target, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

SportsBoom understands Sage is eager to bring the French forward to Selhurst Park after working with him at Lens and believes he still possesses all the qualities needed to become a major success in the Premier League.

Edouard rediscovered his best form last season, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances as he helped Lens secure Coupe de France glory and an impressive second-place finish in Ligue 1. 

His performances were a key factor in the club's success and underlined why he remains one of the most highly-rated forwards in French football.

Sage has long been an admirer of the striker and sees him as an ideal addition to bolster Palace's attacking options ahead of a demanding campaign at home and in Europe.

LEGACY

The 47-year-old French coach recently arrived at Selhurst Park following the departure of respected boss Oliver Glasner, who leaves behind an impressive legacy in South London.

Glasner guided Palace through the most successful spell in the club's history, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield while also steering the Eagles to UEFA Conference League qualification and eventual Conference League glory.

Now Sage has been handed the task of building on those achievements and ensuring Palace continue to compete on multiple fronts.

Next season will be the Eagles' 14th consecutive campaign in the Premier League, and Sage believes adding proven goalscorers will be crucial if the club are to maintain their upward trajectory.

Edouard came through the famed Paris Saint-Germain academy before establishing himself as one of Celtic's standout performers.

PROVEN WINNER

During his time in Glasgow, Edouard won multiple Scottish Premiership titles and domestic cups, scoring regularly and earning a reputation as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Britain.

He bagged 66 goals in just 116 Scottish Premiership games in a memorable spell in Scotland, while his move back to France has revitalised his career. Last season's impressive return helped him re-establish himself among Ligue 1's most dangerous forwards.

Palace insiders believe Sage's presence will prove a decisive factor in any deal, given the strong relationship between player and manager.

And the prospect of a move to South London is understood to appeal greatly to Edouard, who is believed to be excited by the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League for the first time.

With the transfer window gathering pace, Palace are expected to step up their pursuit in the coming weeks as Sage looks to make an early statement by landing one of the players he trusts most.

A reunion could now be on the cards as Sage attempts to bring one of his favourite attacking weapons to Selhurst Park.