Andoni Iraola is firmly in contention to replace Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace this summer.
Alan Nixon believes Iraola has an interest in the upcoming vacancy at Selhurst Park, and speculation intensified on Tuesday when it was revealed the Spaniard would not be signing a new contract at Bournemouth – meaning he will leave the Vitality Stadium at the end of this season.
Qualification for the UEFA Europa League would surely entice the man born in Usurbil to Crystal Palace even more, but even without European football, the chance to manage Yeremy Pino may appeal based on comments from October.
Andoni Iraola has already confessed his admiration for Yeremy Pino amid Crystal Palace rumours
Before the 3-3 draw between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth earlier this season, Iraola made a point of praising Pino in his press conference.
The 43-year-old said: “I think he has been performing already really well consistently. He’s not just a young player starting now. No, he has been giving a high level in Spain for the last years playing for the national team, playing in Europe.
“It’s not a big surprise, you know, he has been very good, I think, for Palace also the games he’s played. I don’t think it’s a big gamble (the £26m fee) you know, it’s like a proven player already, even if he’s still very young.”
Pino – who admires Adam Wharton – has only managed to score five goals and provide four assists in 41 appearances for Crystal Palace so far this season, and also lost his spot under Glasner to Evann Guessand after the winter transfer window.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old delivered a masterful display in the second half of the 3-0 win over Fiorentina after replacing the injured Ivorian, offering hope that next season can be better for the Spain international.
If a self-confessed admirer of his in Iraola joins him in SE25, it would surely only increase the chances of Pino bursting into life for Crystal Palace.