Crystal Palace's managerial hunt has taken another fresh twist this week, if emerging reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, the Eagles have made Burnley manager Sean Dyche their top choice to replace Roy Hodgson at the end of the season.

The 73-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has remained coy over his future at Selhurst Park in recent weeks. It is thought that the long-serving Clarets stalwart is now the favourite to take over from him.

Palace have also been linked to the likes of ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira and likely Celtic-bound Eddie Howe.

One step closer

This latest development should come as a huge boost towards the south Londoners as it means Steve Parish is edging closer to resolving their immediate future.

Palace's campaign is all but over - they sit in mid-table with nothing left to play for, so it seems right that they focus on next season. All of the four names mentioned are worthy targets but it makes a lot of sense to opt for the 49-year-old Burnley boss given his longevity at this level.

It appears that many supporters have grown tired of Hodgson and his lack of ambition, especially following signings like Eberechi Eze and the emergence of Tyrick Mitchell, who both should play a major part in their long-term plans.

Burnley's style of football isn't the most attractive but it breeds results, with the Lancashire outfit qualifying for the Europa League in 2018. That is something Palace have never achieved.

The Eagles are in need of a rebuild and that does seem like something Dyche is best equipped to deal with. For instance, Lampard may be the best candidate on paper in terms of youth development, but he was handed several big-money signings in the summer and all of them have improved since his departure.

Dyche has a proven record on a shoestring budget and working with what he's got.

With this latest update heading in the right direction, it's time for the supporters at Selhurst Park to start getting a little more excited as they close in on a new era.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace handed managerial boost amid Roy Hodgson claim