Manuel Pellegrini’s odds slashed on becoming new Crystal Palace boss… but is it a case of mistaken identity?

MANUEL PELLEGRINI'S odds have been slashed on becoming the new Crystal Palace boss - but it could be a serious case of mistaken identity.

Earlier today, Sky Sports reported how the Eagles had "opened talks" with Pellegrini to take over as their new manager.

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This prompted various bookmakers, including Ladbrokes, to put the Chilean as second favourite for the Selhurst Park job.

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The former Manchester City boss is currently in charge at Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune, but could be making a return to the Premier League.

However, Sky Sports then removed the newsline, and it is believed they were getting mixed up with former Liverpool defender Mauricio Pellegrino.

Crystal Palace are on the lookout for a new boss after Sam Allardyce walked away, despite saving them from Premier League relegation.

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The ex-England boss was appointed Palace boss in December following the sacking of Alan Pardew with the tough task of keeping the Eagles in the top flight.

Allardyce made some shrewd signings in the January transfer window including the additions of Mamadou Sakho and Luka Milivojevic.

But further plans to strengthen key areas in the summer hit a brick wall having failed to see eye-to-eye with chairman Steve Parish.

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And now the Eagles supremo could have set his sights on Pellegrini who may fancy another crack at the Premier League.

The Chilean took over at Manchester City on June 2013, yet despite winning the Premier League title in his first season, he never seemed a favourite of the club's board.

He left the club in June 2016, following the expiration of his contract, and decided on a different venture, taking over at Chinese Super League Club Hebei China Fortune.

But it's former Liverpool defender Mauricio Pellegrino, who most recently managed Spanish outfit Alaves, who remains the favourite for the job.

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