The signs are positive for Crystal Palace in pursuit of Andoni Iraola.
Reports from the BBC say Iraola is genuinely considering a move to Selhurst Park after deciding to leave Bournemouth, with the Telegraph adding that the 43-year-old is keen to live in London.
Matteo Moretto even claims Steve Parish has offered Iraola a “considerable” contract – with the Spaniard our number one choice to replace Oliver Glasner.
There seemed to be competition from Chelsea and Manchester United – but the Daily Mail now say decision makers at Old Trafford are no longer considering the former AEK Larnaca boss.
Who do YOU want as the next Crystal Palace boss? 🤔
Manchester United decide against hiring Andoni Iraola
With Michael Carrick only in charge on an interim basis as things stand, Manchester United had been strongly linked with a move for Iraola.
However, the Daily Mail believe the man born in Usurbil is “no longer under consideration” as Carrick impresses in charge, winning ten and drawing three of his 15 games in charge to fire Manchester United back into the UEFA Champions League.
The Daily Mail say this decision has left Iraola “free to discuss the managerial vacancies at Crystal Palace and Chelsea” – although those at Stamford Bridge seem to have other ideas too.
Chelsea have approached former Barcelona boss Xavi – but recent reports involving Xabi Alonso moving to west London have started to intensify.
So, it sounds like Crystal Palace have a free run at hiring Iraola right now, meaning Parish needs to move quickly before another competitor enters the scene.
If Iraola opts against replacing Glasner, an alternative for Crystal Palace is Kieran McKenna – who Parish spoke to in 2024 before eventually hiring the Austrian instead, after the Northern Irishman opted to see out the promotion campaign with Ipswich.
Who deserves to take the crown from Daniel Munoz? 👑
The former Manchester United coach does, however, have an £8m compensation clause in his terms at Portman Road, making him a much more expensive appointment than Iraola would be.
