Michael Carrick, Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso (Photo by Stu Forster, Ryan Pierse, Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
As promised earlier today, I did a little digging into Andoni Iraola, amid reports that he is close to becoming Crystal Palace manager.
There have been various claims about Iraola’s future since our last exclusive article which claimed that the Bournemouth manager was a top target for both Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.
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One Spanish source said Iraola in particular had already been linked with a move to Palace, while another said the 43-year-old would be tempted to accept their offer even if he had not done so already.
For what it’s worth, this may have already been reported elsewhere, but below is a summary of what I’m hearing…
- Andoni Iraola is certainly a top target for Crystal Palace, but sources close to the Spanish tactician insist a decision has not yet been made and is likely to be made at the end of the season.
- However, there are people involved who have told me that Iraola is backing the Manchester United post, which is now expected to be given permanently to Michael Carrick.
- Iraola was open to talking to Chelsea, but had concerns about the project, as many other managers, including Xabi Alonso, had been approached by the Blues.
- Chelsea officials insist they have not yet identified a favorite candidate and are considering a number of options, and that negotiations are ongoing and there is no rush to make a final decision just yet.
Could Andoni Iraola take over the Crystal Palace job?
Mr. Iraola may well be on his way to a palace job, but so far I’m not convinced it’s as far along as some are suggesting. Of course, I could be wrong and there is certainly a sense that jobs at Manchester United and Chelsea are becoming increasingly unlikely for him as things stand.
But a lot of things could change quickly, and I have a feeling that if, for example, United are indifferent about Carrick’s permanent employment, Iraola will be high on the list and will also be in talks with the Red Devils.
Palace are clearly ambitious and want a top coach to replace the departed Oliver Glasner, and signing Iraola would be something of a statement.
However, it is still early days and Iraola may find a better offer, even if a role at Selhurst Park is not ruled out.
