Crystal Palace are wasting no time in the hunt for their next manager, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola emerging as the top target to take over at Selhurst Park this summer. The Eagles are preparing for life after Oliver Glasner, who led the club to their first European final before confirming his departure back in January.

Palace have been working behind the scenes to identify the Austrian's successor, and sources indicate that Iraola—who recently announced he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season—is the club's preferred choice. The Spanish tactician has impressed during his time on the south coast, and Palace are now making concrete moves to convince him to stay in the Premier League.

Iraola is reportedly aware of Palace's interest, and after preliminary talks, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of joining the Eagles. Having already decided to move on from Bournemouth, he's open to remaining in England's top flight—though other opportunities could tempt him. He's been linked with the Newcastle job, but Eddie Howe looks set to stay at St James' Park, while Chelsea are also in the market for a new manager after parting ways with Liam Rosenior.

If Iraola proves out of reach, Palace have a deep shortlist of alternatives. The club has explored candidates including Coventry's Frank Lampard, Ipswich's Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, Fulham's Marco Silva, and Lens' Pierre Sage. There's confidence at Selhurst Park that they can attract an accomplished head coach even if their top target slips away.

Time is of the essence, though. Palace are keen to have their new manager in place as soon as possible to allow for involvement in the summer recruitment operation—especially with the prospect of leading the team into next season's Europa League on the horizon. For a club on the rise, this appointment could define their next chapter.