Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth manager, is the leading candidate on Crystal Palace’s shortlist to succeed outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner next season.
Glasner, who guided Palace to their first European final, will depart Selhurst Park this month after confirming his decision to step down in January.
Palace are in the advanced stages of identifying the Austrian’s replacement, with multiple sources indicating that Iraola—who announced last month he will leave Bournemouth this summer—is the club’s preferred choice to take over.
Beyond Iraola, Palace have also explored options including Coventry manager Frank Lampard, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, Fulham’s Marco Silva, and Lens’ Pierre Sage.
BBC Sport first reported Palace’s interest in Iraola in January. He had also been linked with the Athletic Bilbao position, but German coach Edin Terzic was appointed there this week.
Palace are now taking concrete steps to persuade Iraola to remain in the Premier League next season. It is understood he is aware of their interest and, following preliminary talks, has not ruled out joining the Eagles.
Having decided to leave Bournemouth, Iraola is reportedly open to staying in the Premier League. He would have expressed interest in the Newcastle job, but Eddie Howe appears likely to remain at St James’ Park next season barring any unexpected changes. Chelsea is another potential option for Iraola as the Stamford Bridge club seeks a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month.
At Selhurst Park, there is recognition that the situation regarding their next manager remains fluid, yet the club is confident they can attract an accomplished head coach if their pursuit of Iraola fails. However, Palace are also keen to appoint a new manager as quickly as possible to involve them in summer recruitment.
The prospect of leading Palace into next season’s Europa League could help attract one of their main candidates. Palace will face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the Europa Conference League final on 27 May, with the winner earning a spot in next season’s Europa League.
