Crystal Palace are stepping up their pursuit of Andoni Iraola as the successor to Oliver Glasner, preparing a lucrative three-year contract for the Bournemouth manager. Iraola confirmed last month that he will leave the Cherries at the end of the season, opening the door for a move to Selhurst Park.
The 43-year-old Spaniard has emerged as Palace’s top target after initial talks with his representatives in recent weeks. Despite strong interest from Chelsea and other Premier League clubs, Palace hope their financial offer and the potential of European football next season could tip the scales in their favour.
Palace’s current boss Oliver Glasner announced in January that he will depart when his contract expires this summer, having delivered the club’s first major trophy – the FA Cup – last year. The Austrian has reached four cup finals in his last four seasons and is expected to attract interest from several top clubs.
Palace are also preparing for a crucial Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on 27 May in Leipzig. Victory would secure a spot in next season's Europa League, adding to the allure for Iraola as he weighs his options.
Other candidates on Palace’s shortlist include Coventry’s Frank Lampard, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, and Villarreal’s departing manager Marcelino García Toral, who has expressed a desire to work in the Premier League.
Iraola, who has guided Bournemouth to the verge of European qualification, is said to be open to joining Palace but will consider other offers. Further talks are expected in the coming days as the club pushes to finalise a replacement for Glasner quickly.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.
