Andoni Iraola is reportedly closing in on a move to Crystal Palace despite heavy interest from other suitors, namely Chelsea.
Andoni Iraola is set to become one of the hottest managerial names available in the market, as a host of teams are eager to convince him to take over. As per El Chiringuito TV, Crystal Palace are closing in on the appointment of the Bournemouth boss, who also has big admirers in the form of Chelsea, as a decision would seem imminent.
Andoni Iraola is one of the best managerial names readily available to take on a new project ahead of the summer. The Basque boss is set to leave his current role at Bournemouth, hopefully with European qualification of some kind, as he is ready for his next big adventure.
Chelsea and Manchester United were linked, as the Blues considered him a top target as they continue to search for names to fill the gap left by Liam Rosenior. The Blues are set to make an effort to convince the Spaniard to take over the role at Stamford Bridge, but there could be plenty of unforeseen complications in the background.
Iraola is expected to bide his time before deciding on his next job, although reports from Spain via El Chiringuito TV state that he is closing in on the Crystal Palace job. Like Bournemouth, Palace are also set to lose their current manager, Oliver Glasner, with hopes that the Austrian leaves by landing their maiden European trophy.
Palace had been chasing Iraola ever since the Spaniard made his decision to leave Bournemouth, as talks may have been conducted in the background. Now, if the news of Iraola closing in on the job as Glasner’s replacement are true, this is a remarkable coup for the Londoners to land the 43-year-old Chelsea managerial target.
Will Andoni Iraola Join Crystal Palace?
Some reports from recent days indicated that Iraola wanted Palace to qualify for Europe to take the job, and with the team now closing in on the Conference League Final, the chances of them winning the competition are high. With such a win, Palace will guarantee Europa League football next season, which might be a good incentive for a manager like Iraola.
At the moment, there is no agreement between the two parties, as Iraola is not the only target for the club. Palace chiefs are increasingly looking at Spain for solutions amid links to Villarreal’s Marcelino and departing Getafe boss José Bordalás as potential alternatives to Iraola, should the Bournemouth man decide against joining them.
