Tottenham and Manchester United will need permanent managerial appointments come the summer, with Igor Tudor and Michael Carrick only signed up respectively until the end of the season
Andoni Iraola
Man United and Spurs are both poised to show interest in Iraola(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Bournemouth are reportedly set to initiate contract discussions with Andoni Iraola during the forthcoming international break amid speculation linking him with Tottenham and Manchester United come the summer. Interim boss Igor Tudor's position at Spurs appears increasingly precarious following a woeful sequence of four consecutive losses.
The club have now suffered six defeats on the spin for the first time in their existence after Tuesday's embarrassing 5-2 capitulation against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Sunday's clash at Anfield has become essential as Spurs attempt to distance themselves from the relegation battle.
An appointment of a permanent manager could be imminent, and Iraola, whose existing contract runs out at the season's end, has been considered at Spurs, according to the i paper. Prior to selecting Thomas Frank last summer, Tottenham had Iraola amongst their candidates, and he is guaranteed to be in their considerations once more should they secure survival.
The report suggests that Bournemouth are anxious to settle Iraola's future before the campaign concludes, acutely conscious of his reputation within the game.
The Cherries' hierarchy reportedly feel they have demonstrated genuine ambition and exhausted every avenue to align with Iraola's objectives, despite a campaign where they've been forced to offload players to meet Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) requirements.
However, it's understood that negotiations over fresh terms started 'over a year ago' and Bournemouth are yet to achieve a breakthrough, suggesting Iraola could be weighing up his alternatives.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has done an impressive job at Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
For the time being, discussions are reported to be paused, with Iraola concentrating on delivering another top-10 finish.
With the March international break looming, and a three-week interval in the Cherries' fixture list, that timeframe is seen as the perfect opportunity to resume talks.
Michael Carrick prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park.
Michael Carrick is currently in interim charge of Manchester United. (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Bournemouth remain optimistic that, having witnessed what happened to other rising managers such as Frank and Ange Postecoglou, Iraola will conclude that remaining at a steady club with a clearly-defined framework is the sensible choice.
Apart from Spurs, United are also referenced as holding an interest in Iraola should they opt against making interim head coach Michael Carrick permanent.
Iraola is also drawing attention from Crystal Palace, who will lose Oliver Glasner at the season's end.