Crystal Palace want an experienced coach to work alongside their next manager as the club prepare for life after Roy Hodgson.
While sources are adamant that no final decision on whether Hodgson will leave when his contract expires next weekend has been made, players and staff are convinced the clash against Liverpool on May 23 is to be his last in charge.
Extensive work has begun behind the scenes on identifying candidates to replace Hodgson if the veteran coach leaves at the end of the season, while the club are determined to lower the average of the playing squad ahead of next season regardless of whether the 73-year-old departs.
Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche, Chris Wilder, Steve Cooper and Valerien Ismael are among the names in the running for the position, but that process is accelerating rapidly.
Those managers under consideration are understood to be aware of Palace’s interest.
And if Palace eventually select a younger boss to replace Hodgson, the club will look to ensure an experienced coach is part of the new man’s staff.
There is an acknowledgement that following four seasons under Hodgson, there will be a period of transition when the new boss takes over.
Indeed, there is a feeling the next coach would benefit from having an older figure alongside him.
Their plans to head into next season with a younger squad has also added to the belief at that retaining an element of experience on the coaching staff could be valuable.
Sportmail understands that one idea being considered is keeping Ray Lewington, who is currently Hodgson’s No 2, at the club to work within the new set-up.
The 64-year-old is one of Hodgson’s most trusted aides, working alongside the manager intermittently for in the region of 15 years, Lewington’s understanding of the current playing squad and the club in general would likely be invaluable to Hodgson’s successor.