Sage on Henderson injury, transfer targets and Wharton's future

Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League opener against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Sage said he was "very happy to begin" as the club can connect with fans again but stressed the Eagles need to "bring the best version" of themselves to "compete" against Everton. A "late decision" will be made on captain Dean Henderson's fitness. The goalkeeper "suffered a little twist of the ankle" against Freiburg but it is hoped he will be available. Sage says "everybody could play" at Hill Dickinson Stadium with no major injuries to report. He said: "I will have to make some choices, but this is the nature of the job. It is a good problem for me because when I have choices, I can anticipate a lot of scenarios and I have lots of options." On how the club's new signings are settling in: "They are discovering how we want to play at the moment and they are in a good position in that aspect. We are happy they are here so we can integrate them into the team now and make them Crystal Palace players." Sage expects "maybe one or two" more incomings before the summer transfer window closes. However, he explained: "We don't want to take a player who isn't for us, that's why it isn't a case of sorting it within one or two days. We have to work with these guys for the rest of the season, so sometimes it is better to wait than to take the first player that comes along." Crystal Palace will need a centre-back "first and foremost" after Maxence Lacroix's departure. He wants a player who has "a lot of experience in the Premier League" and is a "leader". When asked if that player could be Axel Disasi, who is expected to leave Chelsea this summer and has been linked with the Eagles, he replied: "It is difficult for me to speak about a player of another club. I hear the same noise as you [the media]." Sage did not confirm whether Manchester City have enquired about Adam Wharton's availability. Instead, he offered: "He is capable of playing at any big club, whether that is here or anywhere in Europe, but I believe one more year with us and our new dynamic will be good for him." He added: "We need him, that's why I think he will stay with us." Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news Got a question about Palace? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts [BBC]