Crystal Palace are now said to be close to appointing Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard announced in April that he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, and instantaneously became one of the hottest properties on the managerial market with his side currently on a 15-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Steve Parish sensed an opportunity, although a deal seemed unlikely after Iraola rejected two contract offers from Crystal Palace. Our chances seemed to fade even more on Wednesday when Sky Sports said the 43-year-old is holding out for a bigger club than the Eagles.
Now – however – respected journalist Marcos Benito has claimed on Spanish TV that the Bournemouth boss is close to reaching an agreement with Crystal Palace.
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Spanish TV claim Andoni Iraola is on his way to Selhurst Park
If this is true, then it would be a remarkable appointment from Parish.
Benito claims on Spanish TV that “Andoni Iraola is close to joining Crystal Palace” – and he is not the only one alluding to this.
Another respected Spanish journalist in Matteo Moretto randomly reposted a story of his own from April which claimed that Iraola is a target for Palace – suggesting there has now been movement on this front.
Iraola – who Chelsea also like – is said to be keen on living in London, according to the Telegraph.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the man born in Usurbil, but if reports in his homeland are to be trusted, Crystal Palace are on the brink of securing his signature.
The Bournemouth boss is already a fan of one player at Selhurst Park.
Iraola hailed Yeremy Pino back in October ahead of the 3-3 draw between the Cherries and the Eagles at Selhurst Park, saying: “I think he has been performing already really well consistently. He’s not just a young player starting now. No, he has been giving a high level in Spain for the last years playing for the national team, playing in Europe.
“It’s not a big surprise, you know, he has been very good, I think, for Palace also the games he’s played. I don’t think it’s a big gamble (the £26m fee) you know, it’s like a proven player already, even if he’s still very young.”
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