Andros Townsend: I’m confused why Lucien Favre ditched Palace at the last minute

Andros Townsend has been left confused by Lucien Favre making a last-minute decision not to become Crystal Palace’s new manager.

The Eagles are still searching for Roy Hodgson’s successor after he left the South London club at the end of the season, after four years in charge.

Palace were on the verge of appointing Nuno Espírito Santo, before walking away from the deal – with claims it was due to concerns over his demands.

Favre had agreed a three-year contract at Selhurst Park but negotiations fell through at an advanced stage.

The Eagles have a number of first team players that are due to be out of contract on July 1, including Townsend.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Townsend said: “I heard it was almost done. I heard they were getting ready to start the work permit process and he was getting ready to start his quarantine before pre-season.

“I don’t understand how you get through the negotiation stage and interview stage, you agree the contract and then at the last minute you say you don’t have the motivation for it. I don’t understand.

“I know there are 10 [players] out of contract. There were 11, and [then] Christian Benteke signed. To the rest of us they have said they want to wait until the new manager comes in.

“I spoke to someone who said the new manager is supposed to come in at the end of the week, start of next, and we’ll sit down. But with Favre turning it down, I’m sure that has put the process back a bit.”