The Sun journalist Tom Barclay has revealed Nuno Espirito Santo was Crystal Palace's first choice candidate to replace Roy Hodgson at the helm during the summer.
The Eagles were on the hunt for a new manager after Hodgson's departure at the end of last season and eventually named Patrick Vieira as the 74-year-old's successor.
What do we know about Palace's managerial search?
Nuno was the frontrunner to take charge at Selhurst Park after the Portuguese left Wolverhampton Wanderers by mutual agreement in May.
But, with a deal appearing to be tantalisingly close, talks between Palace and Nuno collapsed as the club rejected a new set of demands for the 47-year-old to be followed to south London by as many as seven backroom staff members.
Nuno went on to be confirmed as Jose Mourinho's eventual successor at Tottenham Hotspur less than a month after his failed move to Selhurst Park.
Palace chairman Steve Parish then turned his attention towards former Borussia Dortmund chief Lucien Favre and talks reached an advanced stage.
However, the Eagles were frustrated in their efforts to replace Hodgson once again as Favre rejected the job after a late U-turn.
As a result, Vieira was handed the managerial reins and signed a three-year deal which is due to keep him at the club until 2024.
What has Tom Barclay said about the situation?
Barclay has confirmed that Nuno was the Palace hierarchy's first choice candidate to lead the club into a new era.
Had Nuno accepted the terms offered by the Eagles, Barclay is sure the Portuguese would currently be in the Selhurst Park dugout instead of Vieira.
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The journalist claims Favre was also ahead of Vieira in the pecking order.
Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "Vieira was in the conversation originally but Nuno, I'm pretty well informed, would have had it if he'd wanted it.
"The same goes for Lucien Favre but he made a last minute decision not to take it."
How have Palace performed with Vieira at the helm?
Vieira was tasked with undertaking a squad overhaul after 11 players saw their contract expire during the summer.
The Frenchman was backed to the tune of £28.5million during the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi and Odsonne Edouard.
Palace went into the weekend having registered just one Premier League victory since Vieira's unveiling.
However, ahead of heading to Manchester City yesterday, the Eagles had lost just twice in the competition.