Crystal Palace believe they can appoint ex-Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper WITHOUT paying compensation as Roy Hodgson faces the axe after dismal run... but the Welshman could seek a break from football

Crystal Palace believe they are clear to appoint Steve Cooper without paying compensation to Nottingham Forest amid growing uncertainty over Roy Hodgson’s position.

However, the Selhurst Park could face difficulty in convincing Cooper to make an instant return to management following his City Ground departure last week, with sources indicating he is minded to take a mini-break from football ahead of his next job.

Hodgson’s role is under scrutiny due to a worrying run of eight games without a win, culminating in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at Chelsea.

The 76-year-old's job is under significant doubt as a result of the team’s worrying sequence of results and Saturday’s clash against Brentford is set to be crucial towards Hodgson’s future.

Mail Sport understands there is already a feeling amongst leading members of the club’s hierarchy that a change is needed.

Hodgson is hugely respected and liked at Palace and as a result there is a reluctance from others to part ways before the summer.

But a loss against Thomas Frank’s side will only add to the internal pressure Hodgson is currently under.

Cooper’s sacking at Forest last week has become an intriguing factor as Palace contemplate their next move.

The former Swansea boss is admired at Palace and has long been viewed as an eventual successor to Hodgson.

And it is understood Cooper is not subject to a period of gardening leave with Forest meaning he can be appointed by his next club without a compensation fee.

That scenario means Palace would only be required to pay up the remainder of Hodgson and assistant Ray Lewington’s contracts, which only have six months to run, to make a change.

It was initially hoped that Hodgson could see out the season before the club appointed a younger head coach who could implement a new approach.

But Cooper’s availability, coupled with the team’s poor form, may force Palace into accelerating their vision, though that will depend on whether the 44-year-old is open to returning straight back to work with sources indicating he may prefer to take a short hiatus from management.

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna also features on Palace’s list of candidates to replace Hodgson, while current assistant Paddy McCarthy has impressed as part of the current backroom team and could be elevated into the top job on a short-term basis.