Crystal Palace are intensifying efforts to appoint Andoni Iraola as their next manager following the departure of Oliver Glasner, with club officials hoping to receive a final decision from the Spaniard within days.
The News Chronicle reports that Palace have identified the former Bournemouth coach as their top target after the club’s successful European campaign and are prepared to hand him major influence over player recruitment if he accepts the role. The Eagles are eager to build on their recent progress and see Iraola as the ideal figure to lead the next phase at Selhurst Park.
As Palace gets ready for another taxing season at home and in Europe, club owner Steve Parish is said to be advocating an aspirational hiring. Growing doubt about Iraola’s delayed response has, however, driven the team to consider other behind-the scenes choices.
Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is said to be admired by influential people inside the Palace leadership and has surfaced as among the top backup choices. Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank, Sean Dyche, and Pierre Sage are other names being taken into account.
Palace are still optimistic that Iraola will eventually welcome the challenge and carry on his developing managerial career in south London despite the unknown.
