Crystal Palace Eye Iraola as Top Target, With Lampard Waiting in the Wings

Crystal Palace Plot Their Next Move After Conference League Glory

The celebrations may still be echoing around Selhurst Park, but behind the scenes at Crystal Palace, serious business is already underway. Fresh off their stunning Conference League victory in Leipzig on Wednesday night, club officials are wasting no time in mapping out the future — and finding a new head coach is the immediate priority.

Iraola Remains the Number One Target

As previously reported by BBC Sport, Palace have set their sights on Andoni Iraola to fill the void left by Oliver Glasner, who made it clear after the historic win in Germany that he has no intention of changing his mind about leaving.

The club has formally presented the Spanish manager with a proposal and is now waiting on his response. Part of that offer includes a significant promise: Iraola would have considerable input into how recruitment is handled. Palace are reportedly keen to receive an answer before the weekend is out.

Pursuing Iraola is no small ambition. The 43-year-old has firmly established himself among Europe's most exciting managerial talents, with Bournemouth's qualification for next season's Europa League standing as compelling evidence of his ability to overachieve with limited resources.

Owner Steve Parish made the club's intentions clear following the victory over Rayo Vallecano in the final.

"We have got a taste for it now, we want to keep it going," Parish said. "We have gone up a level and we have got to try and stay there. We will have a week to celebrate and then work hard in the summer."

Palace believe they have presented Iraola with a compelling case, offering him a genuine platform to further cement his growing reputation in European football.

Frank Lampard and Others on the Backup List

Should Iraola ultimately decline, Palace have alternatives lined up. Frank Lampard — currently in charge at Coventry — is understood to be among the leading backup options, with influential figures in the Palace boardroom holding the former Chelsea midfielder in high regard.

One potential complication is Lampard's existing contract at Coventry, which would need to be resolved before any move could proceed. However, there is cautious optimism within the club that Lampard, who is reportedly aware of Palace's interest, would be willing to make the switch ahead of the new campaign.

Other names believed to have been considered include Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche, and Thomas Frank, suggesting Palace are casting a wide net as a precaution.

The lengthy delay in receiving a response from Iraola has, it must be said, sown some seeds of doubt internally about whether the former Bournemouth boss is genuinely ready to make the move to south London.

Player Retention Set to Be a Summer Battleground

With managerial succession at the top of the agenda, the question of which players will remain at Selhurst Park next season is fast becoming the next major talking point.

Palace have already seen marquee names including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Marc Guehi depart in recent years, and the club is determined to prevent another wave of damaging exits. Wednesday's triumph — which also secured Europa League football for next season — could prove a powerful incentive for players to stay put.

Adam Wharton Attracting Elite Interest

One player whose future will command significant attention is Adam Wharton, whose outstanding man-of-the-match display in the Conference League final did little to dampen speculation about his long-term destination. Both Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs known to be keeping close tabs on the midfielder.

For now, Palace appear to be in a relatively strong position. Wharton still has three years remaining on his current contract, giving the club considerable leverage. The Eagles are reportedly open to offering him an upgraded deal, though it remains uncertain whether Wharton is eager to enter those discussions given the high-profile interest from elsewhere.

Henderson, Cannotvot, and Mateta's Futures Unresolved

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who has two years left on his deal, is attracting attention from multiple Premier League clubs and could be in line for contract talks in the near future.

Central defender Jaydee Canvot, who has impressed since stepping up following Marc Guehi's departure in January, has reportedly caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain.

StrikerJean-Philippe Mateta's situation also needs resolving. His proposed move to AC Milan fell apart earlier this year due to a failed medical, but Mateta has made no secret of his desire to move on. Palace have already moved proactively by signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in a deal worth £48 million in anticipation of his likely exit.

Finally, reports suggest Maxence Lacroix is hesitant over a new contract, while winger Ismaila Sarr is understood to be open to discussing an extension. There is plenty for the Palace hierarchy to navigate as the summer transfer window approaches.