Crystal Palace are set to lose their third managerial target in a week.

Claudio Ranieri, who was keen on a Premier League return, is close to joining Ligue 1 side Nantes.

Palace talked to Roger Schmidt, but the German coach opted to sign for Chinese outfit Beijing Guoan on Sunday. And ex-Watford boss Walter Mazzarri wanted to manage a bigger club.

MORE: Emmanuel ​Adebayor slams Crystal Palace move

Burnley chief Sean Dyche and Mauricio Pellegrino remain the favourites to take over at Selhurst Park.

But the Eagles need to act quickly to replace Sam Allardyce, with players reporting back for pre-season at the end of the month.