Former Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has been linked with a new role at UEFA Conference League champions Crystal Palace, only months after Celtic showed interest.

The 44-year old revolutionised the Scottish game at Fir Park last season, helping Motherwell achieve European football with an attacking, possession-based style of play. His Lanarkshire exploits sparked rumours at Celtic Park that the Dane may be the man to succeed Hoops boss Martin O’Neill. However, the club instead opted to keep the veteran gaffer for another year, while Askou left for Toulouse, who currently sit 12th in the Ligue 1 table.

Reportedly, the former Steelmen boss is now in the running for the Crystal Palace job. Eagles boss Pierre Sage remains at the club for now but is expected to be sacked having won just once in their last eight. They currently sit rock bottom of the English Premier League table and have also had a poor start in Europe.

Celtic-linked boss names as ‘potential’ option for Crystal Palace

According to Sky Sports journalist James Savundra, the Conference League champions are looking at Askou, as well as former RB Leipzig boss Ole Werner. He said: “Crystal Palace have identified Jens Berthel Askou and Ole Werner as potential options to replace Pierre Sage. Frenchman still currently remains in position but set to be sacked in next 24 hours.”

If successful, the Palace job would typify a meteoric rise for Askou, who was a relative unknown before he was snapped up by Motherwell. For Celtic, it’d be a hammer blow, as he could’ve been a potential replacement candidate for O’Neill in the summer. However, the financial muscle of the English Premier League would make him a challenging future option.

Why didn’t Askou head for Celtic in the summer?

Speaking to the Open Goal podcast last month in France, when quizzed on why he never made the move to Celtic, Askou responded: “I don’t want to talk about what other opportunities there might have been. I will let people speculate about that. I am here now and I am happy about that. I feel it’s a very good decision I have made.”

The Dane admitted he is also enjoying the challenges of managing in one of Europe’s top five leagues. He added: “There are a lot of really good teams in the league. We have to really step up. There are some very progressive coaches in the league and a lot of variety. We are playing a lot of different opponents.