Transfer Market: Conference League Winners Await Iraola's Decision

Still basking in the glory of their UEFA Conference League triumph, Crystal Palace are now shifting their focus to planning for the upcoming season. The top priority is securing a new manager, following the already announced departure of Oliver Glasner. Andoni Iraola sits at the top of their wishlist, with the club having already submitted an offer and awaiting a response by the end of the weekend, according to BBC Sport.

The Spanish coach, who also announced his departure from Bournemouth weeks ago, is the preferred candidate to succeed Glasner. Glasner confirmed his decision to leave the role even after the European victory in Leipzig. The proposal made to Iraola includes assurances of significant influence over the club's transfer policy.

The pursuit of Iraola is considered an ambitious move, given that the 43-year-old manager has emerged as one of Europe's most promising, having guided Bournemouth to Europa League qualification.

Should Iraola decline, Crystal Palace will activate their Plan B, which features several names. Frank Lampard emerges as a leading alternative, with strong backing within the club's administration. Despite his contract with Coventry posing an obstacle, there's optimism that the former Chelsea midfielder, aware of the interest, would be open to a move. Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche, and Thomas Frank are other names that have been discussed internally.

Owner Steve Parish, following the victory over Rayo Vallecano, articulated the club's ambition: "We've got a taste for this now, we want to keep going. We've moved up a level and we have to try and stay there. We'll have a week to celebrate and then work hard in the summer."

Beyond the managerial situation, retaining key players will be a central theme for Palace this summer. After the departures of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Marc Guehi in the last two seasons, the club is determined to avoid further significant losses.

The European triumph and subsequent qualification for the Europa League could help keep players content, but it also inevitably attracts more interest from other clubs.

Other situations to resolve include the future of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who has Premier League suitors, and centre-back Jaydee Canvot, reportedly on PSG's radar. Jean-Phillippe Mateta's future also needs to be clarified, after his transfer to AC Milan fell through in January. At the time, the player expressed a desire to leave, and the club even signed Jorgen Strand Larsen as a precautionary measure for his potential departure.