Crystal Palace refuse to confirm reports talks have re-opened with Tony Pulis

Dan Petrescu appears to have ruled himself out of the running

Crystal Palace's former manager Ian Holloway talks with Tony Pulis (Getty Images)

Crystal Palace officials have refused to confirm reports they have re-opened negotiations with Tony Pulis about becoming their manager after former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu effectively ruled himself out of the role.

The former Stoke City manager is understood to have resumed talks with co-chairman Steve Parish having originally been interviewed for the post more than three weeks ago. It is believed that Palace were initially put off by his salary demands and turned their attentions elsewhere, with now-Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, Iain Dowie and Petrescu among those considered.

Dinamo Moscow manager Petrescu was new sporting director Iain Moody’s preferred choice to take over from Ian Holloway but after holding talks in Russia earlier in the week, no deal could be reached over compensation or the length of contract. The former Romania defender confirmed in a press conference on Tuesday that Sunday’s meeting with Lokomotiv Moscow is ‘the only thing I’m thinking about.’

Parish didn’t answer calls from The Independent to confirm whether Pulis is now back in the running, while Moody refused to comment on speculation that the 55-year-old is being considered. However, he is believed to be keen to return to club management having ended a seven-year spell at the Britannia Stadium in May and would be willing to accept a lower basic salary to take up the post, albeit with a substantial bonus should he keep Palace up.

They are currently bottom of the table but face a trip to Hull City on Saturday having ended a run of seven successive defeats last time out against Everton. Caretaker manager Keith Millen has been preparing the team this week, although Palace officials are keen for the new man to be in place as soon as possible.