Exclusive: Bournemouth make move to stop Iraola joining Tottenham
Andoni Iraola has been offered a new contract as Bournemouth attempt to prevent him joining Tottenham Hotspur, sources have told Football Insider.
Ange Postecoglou is on borrowed time in North London despite Tottenham reaching the Europa League semi-finals, with Thursday’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt keeping an otherwise dismal season alive.
Tottenham’s former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last week that Daniel Levy has already made his mind up regarding Postecoglou’s future, with the Australian now seemingly bound for the exit door.
Iraola is seen by many as the front-runner to succeed Postecoglou in the Tottenham dugout, with Brown telling Football Insider that the Bournemouth boss is in “pole position” to be Levy’s next appointment.
However, Football Insider sources have said Bournemouth won’t be letting Iraola leave without a fight, and have opened contract talks with the Spaniard in order to fend off interest from the likes of Spurs.
Andoni Iraola contract offer made after Tottenham approach
Iraola’s stock has exploded this season with Bournemouth on the cusp of European qualification for the first time in their history, and the impending vacancy at Tottenham will undoubtedly be of interest to him.
However, sources have now told Football Insider that Bournemouth are doing “everything they can” to keep hold of the Spaniard, with a new contract offer on the table to tie Iraola down for the long term.
The 42-year-old’s current deal on the south coast runs until the summer 2026, but with “talks ongoing” over his new contract, Bournemouth are increasingly hopeful that Iraola will rebuff Tottenham’s interest.
Tottenham told to move on from Andoni Iraola interest
With Postecoglou’s cards seemingly marked at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Iraola won’t be the only target on Levy’s shortlist, but few Premier League managers have impressed to such an extent this term.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Bournemouth are working around the clock to ensure Iraola commits his long-term future to the club, and the signing of a new deal would beset Tottenham’s plans.
Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford boss Thomas Frank are two other big names linked with Tottenham, but with both sides also having better seasons than Spurs, it remains to be seen how feasible it’ll be for either to be plucked from their respective clubs.
