Top News

Manchester United will face competition from Crystal Palace should they attempt to appoint Andoni Iraola this summer. Iraola's deal with Bournemouth is due to conclude at the end of June and the Spaniard is already generating considerable interest.

Iraola has yet to determine whether he will remain with the Cherries beyond the end of the season. And his potential availability has sparked speculation he could secure a high-profile position elsewhere, with United, Tottenham, Palace and Athletic Bilbao amongst those keen on his services.

United will name a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim this summer, with Michael Carrick the favourite, having triumphed in seven of his 10 matches as caretaker manager. Palace must replace the outgoing Oliver Glasner, Athletic Club require a successor to Ernesto Valverde, who recently confirmed he will depart the club at the end of the season, and Spurs are in chaos with Igor Tudor expected to leave imminently.

Iraola has earned an outstanding reputation after guiding Bournemouth to 12th and ninth in his first two seasons. Despite losing several crucial players in the summer transfer window, he has the Cherries positioned for another commendable finish, with the south coast side currently 13th and undefeated in 11 matches.

The Telegraph reports that his achievements with Bournemouth have caught Palace's attention, who have been aware since January that they must replace Glasner in the summer. The 43 year old is regarded as one of the finest young managers in the division and Palace will attempt to persuade him into another 'project', instead of moving into a higher-pressure position further up the table.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Iraola is expected to attract interest from Athletic Club, who must appoint Valverde's successor in the summer. Iraola accumulated over 500 appearances for his hometown club and that sentimental attachment could outweigh alternative opportunities, though former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has been heavily linked with the vacancy.

Meanwhile, United's hierarchy are yet to engage in discussions with any potential new managers, partly because of Carrick's influence as caretaker boss. Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are comfortable taking their time and could consequently lose out on Iraola, who has remained tight-lipped about his intentions.

"Definitely [closer to a decision]. It is something we will decide sooner rather than later, but there is no news," Iraola said when he was asked about his future earlier this month. "When there is something to say, we will say it."

When questioned further, he added: "I have one thing clear, the club and me are very open. We talk a lot and very sincerely. We have open conversations, but obviously we cannot say here, outside, what we are telling inside. I think that's how we should work.

"I have a great relationship with [technical director] Simon [Francis] and [president of football operations] Tiago [Pinto]. Everything is fine between us. We have things that we discuss, but they are internal conversations."