Ronald de Boer has revealed that brother Frank de Boer is close to finalising a deal to take charge of Crystal Palace and is looking forward to his latest managerial challenge.

The 47-year-old was reportedly offered the job earlier this week after holding positive talks with the Eagles, who have been without a head coach since Sam Allardyce surprisingly stepped aside last month.

Frank was sacked by Inter Milan in November after just 85 days in the role, but has proven managerial pedigree having taken Ajax to four successive Dutch titles.

Confirmation of his latest job could be given as soon as this weekend, and Ronald believes that it is a good chance for his younger twin to get his career back on track in the "biggest league" in the world.

"Hopefully, they round things up soon. Frank is very excited, of course," the London Evening Standard quotes him as saying. "It's the biggest league - everybody knows it, everybody's watching the Premier League.

"You can really do something if you have the chance, because there is money involved and you can buy players. It's an interesting league to see what you're capable of as a manager.

"I know they are talking and I think it's just about little terms with the coaching staff, etc. I don't see any problem but, of course, it's not for me to say if it's a done deal or not."

Frank de Boer was also said to be in the running for the vacant Southampton post, which now looks likely to go to Mauricio Pellegrino.