Wanderers await Popovic talks

Western Sydney Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer will not stand in Tony Popovic's way if Crystal Palace look to him as a replacement for manager Neil Warnock.

Popovic is one of the favourites to take over at Selhurst Park, where he played for six years, although another former Eagles player Alan Pardew remains firmly at the head of the market.

The 41-year-old has been a big success since serving as Palace's assistant manager under Dougie Freedman in 2012, winning the A-League title with the Wanderers and more recently leading them to the AFC Champions League crown.

Reports in the Sydney Morning Herald claimed Palace had contacted Popovic about the job already, although nothing has been confirmed by either party, and Lederer is awaiting talks with his manager.

"I'm absolutely sure we'll be discussing it," said Lederer. "It could be asearly as Tuesday or the day after, we'll certainly be discussing it.

"Absolutely. If he was bettering himself and went to the EPL and he got thetop job, I'd be wishing him all the best and good luck to him."

Speculation about Pardew's future with Newcastle increased on Sunday when he skipped the post-match press conferences after his side's 3-2 win over Everton, leaving them all to assistant John Carver.

He has more than five years left on his eight-year contract at St James' Park, where he has enjoyed a tempestuous relationship with sections of supporters but has consistently received the backing of owner Mike Ashley.

Carver said: "He (Pardew) just said, 'Will you go and do the press for me?' That was it. I was actually eating a pie at the time. He is fine, he's delighted. It's a fantastic result for us."

Keith Millen took charge of Palace, for the third time in a temporary capacity, for their 0-0 draw with QPR on Sunday and he remains interested in taking over on a permanent basis.

"I'm ready for it," the 48-year-old said. "I think the players respect me. I've done it enough times, I've managed before and I enjoy working for the club.

"The chairman may feel he needs more experience or wants to see what names areavailable because it's a vital time now. I don't know how long I'll be in charge for. I have not been told I've got a chance and I haven't spoken to the chairman about myself."