Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola heads Crystal Palace‘s shortlist of candidates to replace outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner next season.
Glasner, who has led the club to their first European final, is leaving Selhurst Park this month, confirming his decision to step down in January.
Palace are at an advanced stage of identifying the Austrian’s successor, with multiple sources indicating Iraola, who last month announced he will leave Bournemouth this summer, is the club’s preferred option to replace Glasner.
In addition to Iraola, it is understood that 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 are among the candidates Palace have explored.
BBC Sport first revealed Palace’s interest in Iraola in January. He had also been linked with the Athletic Bilbao job but German coach Edin Terzic was appointed their manager this week.
Palace are now making concrete moves to persuade Iraola to stay in the Premier League next season.
It is understood he is aware of Palace’s interest and following preliminary talks – according to sources – is not ruling out joining the Eagles next season.
Having made the decision to leave Bournemouth, it is understood Iraola is open to staying in the Premier League.
Iraola would have shown an interest in the Newcastle job but it looks likely that Eddie Howe, barring an unforeseen change of situation, will stay at St James’ Park next season.
Chelsea is another option for Iraola as the Stamford Bridge club look to replace Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month.
There is an understanding at Selhurst Park that the situation regarding their next manager is fluid and the club are confident they can attract an accomplished head coach if their efforts to land Iraola are unsuccessful.
But the south London club are also mindful of having a new manager in position as soon as possible to allow for the new man to be involved in the summer recruitment operation.
The prospect of leading Palace into next season’s Europa League could help the club attract one of their main candidates in the coming weeks.
Palace will face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the final of the Europa Conference League on 27 May, with the winner qualifying for next season’s Europa League.