As promised earlier today, I’ve done some digging on Andoni Iraola amid mixed reports that he’s closing in on becoming the Crystal Palace manager.
There have been a range of claims on Iraola’s future since our previous exclusive that the Bournemouth manager is the top target for both Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.
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One source in Spain notably said Iraola is already set to join Palace, while another said the 43-year-old is tempted to accept their offer, even if he hasn’t done so just yet.
For what it’s worth, and this may have already been reported elsewhere, but below is a summary of what I’m hearing…
- Andoni Iraola is indeed a top target for Crystal Palace, but sources close to the Spanish tactician insist that he’s not close to a decision, which is more likely to come after the end of the season.
- However, there are well-connected figures telling me that Iraola was favouring the Manchester United job, which is now expected to go to Michael Carrick on a permanent basis.
- Iraola was open to speaking with Chelsea, but he had concerns about the project, as have numerous other managers approached by the Blues, including Xabi Alonso.
- Chelsea sources insist they haven’t identified a favoured candidate yet, and have sounded out multiple options, with talks ongoing and no hurry to come to a final decision yet.
Could Andoni Iraola now take the Crystal Palace job?
Iraola certainly could be heading towards taking the Palace job, but for now I’m not convinced it’s as advanced as some have suggested. I could be wrong, of course, and there’s certainly the sense that the Man Utd and Chelsea jobs look increasingly unlikely for him as things stand.
However, a lot can change very quickly, and if, for instance, United get cold feet about hiring Carrick permanently, I sense that Iraola would be high up on their list and also willing to speak with the Red Devils.
Palace are clearly ambitious and want a top coach to replace the departing Oliver Glasner, and it would be some statement if they could land Iraola.
It’s early days yet, though, and it may be that Iraola will find himself with better offers, even if he’s not ruling out the role at Selhurst Park.
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