Crystal Palace are awaiting a response from Andoni Iraola after making the Bournemouth head coach their top target to succeed Oliver Glasner, who confirmed following Wednesday's UEFA Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano that his departure from Selhurst Park is final.

Palace have put a formal proposal to Iraola and are pressing for an answer by the end of the weekend. The offer includes assurances that he would have significant input into transfer recruitment — a clear signal of the ambition behind the approach.

The move underlines how far Crystal Palace have raised their expectations. Iraola, 43, has established himself among the most impressive managers in European football, with Bournemouth's qualification for next season's Europa League the most recent proof of his credentials.

Lampard and other alternatives

Should Iraola decline, Frank Lampard is understood to be among the leading alternatives, with the former Chelsea midfielder holding genuine admirers within the Palace boardroom. The primary complication would be releasing Lampard from his existing contract with Coventry. Nevertheless, there is cautious optimism inside Selhurst Park that Lampard — who is aware of the club's interest — would be open to the move.

Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche, and Thomas Frank have also been discussed as potential candidates. However, the length of time Iraola has taken to respond has bred a degree of scepticism internally over whether the deal will ultimately be completed.

Key players and summer uncertainty

Alongside the managerial question, Crystal Palace face a familiar challenge in holding on to their most coveted players. The departures of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Marc Guehi over the past two summers have left the club determined to prevent further high-profile exits.

Adam Wharton produced a man-of-the-match display in the Conference League final, and his performance will intensify speculation linking him with a step up. Liverpool and Manchester United are among the clubs known to admire him. Palace, however, are in a relatively strong position — Wharton's contract runs for another three years, and the club are open to offering an improved deal, though it remains unclear whether he would be willing to enter those discussions given external interest.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who has two years remaining on his deal, is attracting attention from several Premier League clubs and can expect contact over a possible new contract in the coming weeks. Central defender Jaydee Canvot, who has impressed since Guehi left in January, is understood to be on Paris Saint-Germain's radar.

The future of Jean-Philippe Mateta also requires resolution. His proposed move to AC Milan in January collapsed following a failed medical, and Mateta made no secret of his desire to leave Selhurst Park. Palace subsequently signed Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £48 million in anticipation of that exit.

Reports suggest Maxence Lacroix is stalling on a new contract, while Ismaila Sarr is understood to be open to renewal talks. It promises to be a defining summer at Selhurst Park — one that begins with a question only Iraola can answer.