The club have called a press conference for 3.30am today to unveil Warnock's successor after he left to join QPR last night.

Former Portsmouth and QPR boss Paul Hart is believed to be a front-runner for the post while ex-Eagles managers Steve Coppell and Iain Dowie and former Middlesbrough chief Gareth Southgate have also been linked.

Palace confirmed Warnock's departure after two and a half years as manager last night, shortly before Rangers announced the 61-year-old's appointment.

The west Londoners claimed to have agreed compensation with Palace for Warnock, who is expected to take coaches Keith Curle and Mick Jones with him to Rangers after caretaker boss Mick Harford and his assistant Tony Coton left yesterday.

But Brendan Guilfoyle, the administrator at Selhurst Park, has issued a statement claiming the move is yet to be finalised.

"The club is aware of the statement issued by Queens Park Rangers last night," said Guilfoyle. "The club believes that this is somewhat premature.

"Discussions are ongoing regarding the release of Neil Warnock and members of his managerial team but these remain subject to agreement of relevant documentation."

Paul Hart, who was in charge at Loftus Road for a month before walking out in January, has emerged as a candidate for the vacant Palace job.