FRANK LAMPARD is the leading contender to be Crystal Palace's next managerial appointment.
That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who've installed the 42-year-old as favourite to take charge at Selhurst Park.
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However, Lampard's chances aren't as strong as they were.
The England hero WAS previously available at 1/3 but has drifted out to 6/4 after a flurry of activity in the betting market.
Lampard is still a free agent having been axed by Chelsea after 18 months in charge.
And there's no shortage of interest in the Romford-born coach with Celtic, Bournemouth and England all considered strong possibilities for his next role in management.
Lampard hasn't been shy about discussing a return either and recently admitted to receiving several 'flattering offers'.
He said: "I've had some opportunities that have come up in the last six weeks, two months, that have been flattering but not the right thing.
"The opportunities weren't quite right but I think about it. It would be something I'm keen to do, at the right time, at the right place."
Next Crystal Palace Manager odds – Betfair
- Frank Lampard – 6/4
- Sean Dyche – 10/3
- Valerien Ismael – 7/2
- Eddie Howe – 5/1
- Steve Cooper – 6/1
- Patrick Vieira – 10/1
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That 'right place' could be Crystal Palace with Roy Hodgson's tenure looking uncertain.
The veteran bosses contract will expire at the end of the 2020-21 campaign and The Athletic claim doubts are growing over Hodgson’s future with the Eagles.
Lampard's closest challenger is Sean Dyche.
The Clarets boss was offered at 11/1 but has shortened to 10/3 second-favourite to swap Burnley for London this summer.
Dyche has frequently been linked with the Crystal Palace job and refused to completely dismiss the rumours back in April.
He said: "It is a sign of respect from outside of your work place. I value that, whether it is fact or fiction it is still nice to be spoken about positively, or generally positively.
"But it has happened to me many times, it has happened to my players many times, which is a positive in a sense that there must be some value to what we do here."
A new contender to enter the betting market is Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael at 7/2.
The former Eagles defender was appointed Tykes boss in October and miraculously guided the Yorkshire club to a fifth-placed finish and the Championship play-off semi-finals.
Free agent Eddie Howe comes next at 5/1 with Swansea's Steve Cooper further back at 6/1.
Gunners icon Patrick Vieira is also in the running having worked his way onto Palace's managerial shortlist.
Vieira, who won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, is now priced at 10/1 to take the reins in South London.
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