Crystal Palace are intensifying their pursuit of Andoni Iraola to replace outgoing manager Oliver Glasner, with the club preparing a lucrative three-year contract for the Bournemouth head coach. Iraola, 43, confirmed last month that he will leave the Cherries at the end of the season, and Palace have identified him as their primary target.
Initial discussions have already taken place between the south London club and Iraola's representatives in recent weeks. However, Palace are aware that the Spaniard is attracting interest from several other Premier League sides, including Chelsea. To sway his decision, the club is banking on a substantial financial package and the prospect of European football next season, should they win the Conference League. Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the final on 27 May in Leipzig, with the victor earning a spot in the Europa League.
Iraola is reportedly open to a move to Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen what other offers materialise. He has guided Bournemouth to the brink of European qualification, adding to his appeal. More talks are expected in the coming days as Palace seek a swift replacement for Glasner.
The Austrian manager announced in January that he would leave Palace at the end of his contract this summer, despite leading the club to FA Cup glory last year—their first major trophy. Glasner is also expected to be on the radar of several clubs after reaching a fourth cup final in four seasons, though he has yet to decide on his next move.
Other potential candidates for the Palace job include Coventry's Frank Lampard, Ipswich's Kieran McKenna, and former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank. Reports in Spain have also linked the club with Marcelino García Toral, who is leaving Villarreal after securing Champions League qualification in consecutive seasons. The 60-year-old is believed to be keen on a Premier League role.
