Next Crystal Palace manager: Sam Allardyce hot favourite to replace Alan Pardew

Palace issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, confirming they had asked Pardew to "step down as manager of the club".

Pardew took the Selhurst Park helm in January 2015, but the Eagles' recent slump has left the club one place and one point off the Premier League relegation zone.

Former England boss Sam Allardyce is being heavily tipped for the post with his representatives rumoured to already be in contact with the London club.

Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted the Eagles need a replacement "as quickly as possible".

"I would like to put on record our sincere gratitude for the tremendous service Alan has given us, both in his time here as manager and previously as a player," said Parrish.

"Following a fantastic second half of 2014/15, the 2015/16 season culminated in only narrowly missing out on winning the FA Cup as well as securing our Premier League place for a record-breaking fourth time.

"During his tenure Alan's hard work and dedication were without question, he has improved so many areas of the club and we wish him the very best for the future.

"With games now coming thick and fast over the holiday period the club are hoping to put someone in place as quickly as possible but have nothing to say about a replacement at this time."