Crystal Palace's decision to appoint Patrick Vieira as manager is a "huge risk" and could lead to relegation, according to Get French Football News features writer Adam White.

Vieira has been handed the reins at Selhurst Park, but the Frenchman was not Palace's first choice candidate.

Nuno Espirito Santo, who has since taken over at Tottenham Hotspur, could not agree terms to take charge before ex-Borussia Dortmund chief Lucien Favre turned down the job vacated by Roy Hodgson at the end of last season.

Former Arsenal captain Vieira, who has penned a three-year deal, will manage in the Premier League for the first time having previously endured mixed experiences in the dugout.

Vieira cut his teeth in Major League Soccer with New York City FC before heading back to his homeland to take charge of Nice.

Although the 45-year-old led Nice into the Europa League last year, he was sacked in December.

White believes the Eagles could be facing a relegation scrap after turning to Vieira ahead of the new season.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the French football expert said: "I think it's a really risky appointment and potentially a really interesting one.

"It's a huge risk because Palace are one of those clubs that if they have a bad season, they're potentially looking at a relegation battle."