Alan Pardew is close to being named the new head coach of Crystal Palace, and could oversee the relegation-threatened club’s clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park on New Year’sDay. Pardew, 53, reportedly said goodbye to his Newcastle United squad on Tuesday ahead of his move South London, where he would replace former coach Neil Warnock, who was fired by Palace lastweek. According to reports, Pardew will sign a four-year contract worth around 2 million pounds ($3.1 million) per season.