Crystal Palace are reportedly vying to push a transfer over the line in what could be a blow to both Southampton and Rangers.
Palace plot crucial summer as Conference League quarter-final beckons
Palace's attention this week is split between the present and the future.
On Thursday, Oliver Glasner's side host Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final at Selhurst Park, with the return leg in Florence the following week.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner
Palace booked their place in the last eight with a 2-1 aggregate win over AEK Larnaca, and a two-time finalist now stands between them and a semi-final spot.
Off the pitch, the managerial question remains the most pressing issue heading into the summer.
Glasner announced in January that he would leave the club at the end of the season, having made the decision back in October. He departs as the most successful manager in the club's history, having won the FA Cup and the Community Shield during his two-and-a-half years in charge.
The search for his replacement is already underway.
Former Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has emerged as the frontrunner for the role, according to reports.
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The Eagles need to bring in a replacement for Oliver Glasner.
The Dane was sacked by Spurs earlier this season and is currently available, while Andoni Iraola had been considered, but the Bournemouth boss appears unlikely to make the switch, with a preference to stay at the Vitality unless a bigger club comes calling.
Whoever takes charge will walk into a squad already being shaped for next season.
Palace are currently attempting to land one of Scotland's most promising young talents, and they face stiff competition to do it.
Harris Afzal after Crystal Palace agree terms to sign him
TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey report that 16-year-old left-back Harris Afzal is currently in London as Crystal Palace look to convince him to choose Selhurst Park over rivals Southampton.
selhurst-park-crystal-palace-premier-league
Crystal Palace's home stadium, Selhurst Park.
Palace have agreed terms with Afzal's club Queen's Park on a deal worth around £40,000 plus a sell-on clause, though Southampton had already struck a similar agreement with the Scottish side and continue to push hard for his signature.
Palace have now brought Afzal to London to experience the club and its facilities, in an attempt to gain the upper hand in what remains a live battle.
Rangers have also registered interest, but those close to the situation believe Afzal is leaning towards a move to England.
The comparison drawing most attention is an obvious one — Afzal is a left-back who came through the Queen's Park academy, the same route taken by Andy Robertson before the Liverpool captain went on to become one of the best in the world at his position.
Liverpool's Andy Robertson during training
His style, athleticism, and attacking intent from wide areas have apparently drawn those comparisons directly.
At 16, Afzal is of course a long-term project rather than an immediate solution.
However, the fact that Palace are moving with intent at this stage — and that Southampton are equally determined to win the race — reflects how highly the teenager is regarded north of the border.
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