- Crystal Palace handed Andoni Iraola boost
- Oliver Glasner unlikely to return to German side
- Interest in Lassine Sinayoko
Crystal Palace are just one game away from reaching their first-ever European final. Standing in their way is Shakhtar Donetsk although Oliver Glasner’s men are in control of the tie.
A 3-1 win in Krakow, Poland, last Thursday has put Palace ahead on aggregate in the two sides’ UEFA Conference League semi-final. Unlike the Fiorentina tie, the Eagles have the advantage of the second leg taking place at Selhurst Park.
Glasner’s future remains uncertain despite the Austrian confirming he’s leaving earlier this year. The club’s top choice to replace him is Andoni Iraola, and hopes are growing over a potential appointment.
Iraola Reunion Off
Palace are extremely interested in making Iraola their new manager this summer. The Spaniard, like Glasner, is departing Bournemouth at the end of the season.
A potential return to Athletic Club, where he spent his playing days, has been viewed as the likeliest destination. But the Spanish outfit have appointed former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic.
That helps Steve Parish and the board because it’s one less option ruled out for Iraola. But Chelsea remain in the picture despite suggestions they are also looking at Xabi Alonso and Marco Silva.
Glasner’s Frankfurt Return Ruled Out
Glasner, like Iraola, was linked with a return to his former club after he announced his intentions to leave when his contract expires. A possible reunion with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the Europa League while in charge, has been a hot topic.
Reports claim that it is “virtually impossible” for the Austrian to return to Deutsche Bank Park. There’s no explanation for why that’s the case but it’s intriguing given the lack of options available to the FA Cup-winning coach.
Chelsea could be a destination, although there isn’t much talk of him heading to Stamford Bridge. It’s still not known whether he intends to remain in the Premier League or move abroad.
Palace Eye Sinayoko
Glasner is likely to be followed out of Palace by Jean-Philippe Mateta. That’s despite the French forward reclaiming a starting berth in the team after failing an AC Milan medical in January.
Milan could reportedly come back in for Mateta now that he is injury-free. As such, the Eagles seem keen to find a suitable replacement and a new name on the wishlist is Lassine Sinayoko.
The AJ Auxerre striker has caught the eye with impressive performances for club and country this season. The Malian bagged three goals in five African Cup of Nations games earlier this year.
