Palace Close In On Iraola As New Manager After Lifting Conference League Crown

Crystal Palace appear to have sealed their managerial succession following their Conference League victory, with Andoni Iraola set to take the reins at Selhurst Park.

Jean-Philippe Mateta's second-half finish proved decisive as Palace edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the continental final on Wednesday, securing both silverware and a spot in next season's Europa League. It represents the Eagles' second major trophy in twelve months, following their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last season.

With Oliver Glasner having departed his post, owner Steve Parish wasted little time mapping out the club's immediate future. The Palace supremo signalled his ambitions in the wake of the Conference League success, declaring: "We have got a taste for it now, we want to keep it going. 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."

Iraola, who stepped aside from his Bournemouth position at the end of the campaign after guiding the south-coast outfit into the Europa League, has long been Palace's primary target. Reports suggest the club have tabled a proposal encompassing assurances regarding significant input into recruitment matters, presenting themselves as the ideal platform for the Spaniard to develop his managerial credentials further.

According to reports, Palace were awaiting Iraola's response by the weekend's close, though journalist Daniele Longo has indicated that an 'agreement' between the two parties is already in place. The Calciomercato correspondent claims the matter now hinges on personal and project considerations rather than financial terms.

AC Milan have thrown their hat into the ring following Massimiliano Allegri's sacking, with the Serie A giants describing their season as an "unequivocal failure" after missing out on Champions League qualification. However, Longo's reporting suggests Iraola will honour his understanding with Palace, preferring to remain within the Premier League and London rather than undertake the complex rebuilding operation at the San Siro.

Gazetta dello Sport reported late Wednesday that an announcement could arrive imminently, with Iraola unconvinced by the Milan proposition. The Italian outlet noted that Palace offers continuity in the Premier League, stability for his family in England, and an ambitious recruitment budget—factors that appear to have swayed his decision.

Should Iraola's appointment be confirmed, Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank represent Palace's contingency options.