Sources: Bournemouth confident of agreeing Andoni Iraola deal after Man United news
Bournemouth remain confident that highly-rated manager Andoni Iraola will sign a new contract soon amid rumours linking him to the Man United job ahead of the summer.
Iraola has been named as a potential contender to be Man United‘s next permanent manager when they decide on a long-term Ruben Amorim successor after the end of the season.
He is out of contract at Bournemouth this summer, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, they have no plans to lose his services and believe he could sign a new deal soon.
The 43-year-old has led the Cherries into eighth place in the Premier League as it stands, despite losing a host of key players over the last two transfer windows.
His talents as a manager have also been recognised by Tottenham as they remain in the hunt for a permanent boss ahead of next term, but Bournemouth remain hopeful that he will pen fresh terms on the south coast.
Bournemouth are optimistic that Andoni Iraola will sign a new deal
Crystal Palace are another Premier League side that have been linked with appointing Iraola, but it does seem likely that he joins a club with bigger finances and potential to compete at the top of the table if he does choose to leave Bournemouth.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think there’s growing optimism from Bournemouth that they can persuade Iraola to stay at the club.
“Obviously he is out of contract at the end of the season, and there will be a number of clubs that are looking at his situation, not just in the Premier League but also overseas, especially in his native Spain.
“Bournemouth are happy with what Iraola is doing there. They’ve obviously backed him with some big-name signings in the January window, having sold Antoine Semenyo.
“They’re in the European places for the first time in their history which would be a huge achievement by everyone at the club and Iraola. He is a very highly respected manager.”
- Read more: Sources: Marcos Senesi frontrunners named as Tottenham and Newcastle race for free transfer
Barcelona the favourites to sign Marcos Senesi as Bournemouth exit looms
While the Cherries believe that Iraola could extend his deal, Argentine centre-back Senesi is also out of contract this summer but looks more likely to depart for pastures new.
The 28-year-old has been a regular under the Spaniard since his arrival, and his strong performances this season have seen numerous teams register their interest in his services ahead of that June contract expiry.
Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton are among those vying for his signature, but sources have told Football Insider that Barcelona are leading the race to sign Senesi this summer.
His exit would serve as another transfer blow to Iraola if he does stay on at the Vitality Stadium, but he will trust in Bournemouth’s recruitment chiefs to replace Senesi with relative ease.