Andoni Iraola is one of the front-runners to take over as Chelsea’s next manager, but Crystal Palace are doing their utmost to convince him and now, Palace might beat Chelsea to a key signing, too.
Iraola has discussed his future this weekend as he continues to be linked with vacant jobs in the Premier League. Manchester United are also supposedly considering Iraola, as he ends his Bournemouth stint.
Andoni Iraola hasn’t beaten Clearlake’s Chelsea 🚩
Andoni Iraola's record vs Chelsea
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Iraola has confirmed he is leaving the Cherries after three excellent seasons at the Vitality. Marco Rose will replace Iraola in the dugout, with the gaffer looking to guide Bournemouth into Europe for the first time.
But this week, Iraola has been strongly linked with Palace. It is believed Iraola has reservations about managing Chelsea due to the ownership. Now, Palace could also beat Chelsea in a €50m transfer battle.
Palace re-join race for AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic
In January, Palace were among Strahinja Pavlovic’s suitors having lost Marc Guehi to Manchester City. The Eagles came up short, but it appears their interest has not subsided according to reports over in Italy.
US Sassuolo Calcio v AC Milan - Serie A
Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images
CalcioMercato and Gazzetta Dello Sport say that Man United, Palace and Chelsea are all interested in raiding Milan for their Serbian powerhouse. Pavlovic is set to be a major player in the summer window.
The report states that interested parties will have to spend €50m to convince Milan to sell Pavlovic, but Chelsea remain the favourites to convince the left-footed defender to move to the Premier League.
Chelsea’s stance on deal for Strahinja Pavlovic
According to previous reports, Pavlovic is one of Chelsea’s main centre-back targets this summer. Despite a wealth of options at centre-back, the Blues have struggled in the middle of the defence this season.
Levi Colwill’s return against Liverpool on Saturday was a great relief to those of a Chelsea persuasion, with Calum McFarlane claiming Colwill was the best player on the pitch. Yet, Chelsea need better next to him.
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Chelsea are said to be preparing an offer for Pavlovic, with some reports describing the bid as “huge”. But there is a world where Pavlovic may prefer a move to Palace, because the Eagles could qualify for Europe.
Man United may have a real chance if they intensify their interest in Pavlovic, given they have already won a place in next season’s Champions League. For now, Chelsea are the favourites, but that could change.
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