Expert: Newcastle could make 'convincing' offer to beat Chelsea to manager hire

Andoni Iraola is on the shortlist of a number of top clubs including Chelsea and Newcastle United ahead of his imminent departure from Bournemouth.

The Cherries announced the 43-year-old’s departure last week, with Marco Rose set to replace him at the Vitality Stadium at the end of the current season.

A number of interested clubs have been put on alert as a result, not just in the Premier League but also across Europe, with his next steps currently uncertain.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle could make Iraola a “convincing” offer to replace Eddie Howe in the summer.

Howe remains in his position as things stand, but as a result of what has been a dismal season at St James’ Park, Newcastle could look for a new manager.

Could Newcastle appoint Andoni Iraola?

Brown warned Football Insider on 21 April that Howe is increasingly likely to be sacked by Newcastle after what has been a miserable season so far.

As a result, preparations are already being made behind the scenes to identify potential replacements, with Iraola ranking highly on the Magpies’ shortlist.

Despite interest from elsewhere, Newcastle believe they can offer an enticing project and funds to improve the squad to lure him to St James’ Park.

“Andoni Iraola would be a brilliant option if they could get him,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Obviously it all depends on what they decide to do with Eddie Howe, but if they’re looking to bring somebody else in, Iraola will be among their top options.

“He’s got experience in the Premier League and he’s done a fantastic job with Bournemouth.

“Whether he would be willing to go to Newcastle, it depends on what they’re going to be able to offer him and if they’ll be able to spend in the transfer market.

“That’s been a big problem for Eddie Howe, they’re the richest club in the world or so they say, but they’ve been limited when it comes to signing players.

“If Newcastle can make a convincing offer about their project, spending and ambitions for the future, they could be a better option than a lot of the other clubs looking at him.”

Who is the favourite to land Iraola this summer?

Despite links with moves to Chelsea, Newcastle and Crystal Palace among a number of other European sides, one club are emerging as leading contenders for his signature.

Athletic Bilbao recently announced that Ernesto Valverde would step down at the end of the season, opening the door for Iraola to step into the role.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 April that Bilbao are planning to move for Iraola and hope they will be able to tempt him to return to Spain.

He has managed in La Liga before with Rayo Vallecano, and made over 500 senior appearances for Athletic Club as a player after coming through their academy.

The opportunity to return to his boyhood club may prove difficult to turn down despite the interest from elsewhere, with talks potentially already underway.

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