Crystal Palace brace for more 'big' exits as Pierre Sage's summer exodus intensifies

Crystal Palace are planning to cash in on more of their fringe players for big fees this month as Pierre Sage oversees an exodus.

The Eagles have already sold the likes of Maxence Lacroix and Danny Imray, with Brennan Johnson expected to be next and more fringe players also expected to depart.

This has been a significant part of Palace's transfer plan this summer, as they aim to raise funds through the sales of players who otherwise would have little impact in Sage's side.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace are expecting further departures in the coming weeks, with bigger plans being put in place.

Funds are being raised through player sales, many of which could represent pure profit, which will then allow the Eagles to spend on incoming deals.

Alongside the already-departed players, the likes of Romaine Esse, Justin Devenney and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are also attracting interest and could be allowed to leave Selhurst Park.

What are Crystal Palace's updated transfer plans?

Football Insider revealed last month that Crystal Palace are aiming to prevent their star players, notably including Adam Wharton, from leaving this summer.

There is now a belief that cashing in on some of the squad's fringe players and academy products will put the club in a better financial position to keep hold of those stars.

Meanwhile, it will help raise funds for reinvestment in the squad as Palace have now set their sights on improving Sage's first-team ahead of the start of the season.

"There has been a clear focus on selling players in the last few weeks," Brown told Football Insider.

"Obviously Lacroix has moved on, but they're looking at some of the younger players or those on the fringes of the squad, and seeing if they can be sold for big fees.

"They've already brought in £5million from selling Imray, and I don't expect them to stop there, because that is a clear avenue for raising money.

"If they can sell a few more players for those types of fees, around £5-10million, then that quickly adds up and it will allow them more breathing space to spend on new players.

"It's obviously something the manager is happy to oversee, these aren't players who are going to feature in his plans for the season.

"Plus, it could allow them to keep hold of some of their better players because they're not under any pressure to sell when they have other sources of income.

"It's something that makes a lot of sense for a club like Palace to focus on, and I expect it'll be something we see more of over the next few weeks."

Which other players could leave Crystal Palace this summer?

Following departures for both Lacroix and Imray, and Johnson's imminent move to Everton, all eyes are set on who could become the next player to leave Selhurst Park.

Esse is widely expected to complete a move to Club Brugge in the near future, while Rak-Sakyi will also be allowed to leave, and there is now speculation about David Ozoh.

Football Insider revealed on 4 August that Ozoh is attracting interest from a number of European clubs in case he is allowed to leave Crystal Palace in the coming weeks.

Derby County, where the midfielder spent two years on loan, have been joined in their pursuit by newly-promoted Hull City, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille and Bundesliga side Koln.

However, Crystal Palace will have the final say in any deal, and have yet to make a decision about Ozoh's future after he impressed Sage with his pre-season performances.