Andoni Iraola contacted by Chelsea

Manchester United-linked and outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been contacted by Chelsea, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

The Blues announced on Wednesday evening that the club had parted ways with Liam Rosenior and Hawkins has stated that he had lost the confidence of several players. 

Calum McFarlane will take over the side until the end of the season as the club’s interim manager and, in the meantime, Chelsea will begin the process of appointing a new manager, a process that is already underway given initial reports.

Bournemouth announced Iraola’s departure from the club earlier this month, building rumours of a potential move to Manchester United.

Andoni Iraola’s managerial spell at Bournemouth

The 43-year-old took over at the Cherries in 2023 and has won 46 games since his arrival at the club.

Delivering a finish of 12th in his first season and ninth in his second season, Iraola has proven his ability to improve sides under his influence.

Bournemouth look set to have a similar finish this season in the Premier League with the club ninth in the English top flight currently ahead of their clash against Leeds United.

Manchester United’s search for a new permanent manager

United announced the departure of Ruben Amorim in January and, have since, been undergoing the process of identifying and appointing a new permanent manager to guide the first-team forward.

Michael Carrick was brought back into the club as interim manager until the end of the season and has guided the club to its current third place position in the Premier League.

Champions League qualification looks likely given a ten-point gap to Chelsea in sixth place with just five games of the season to go.

It has previously been stated that Carrick would receive the permanent job should United qualify for the Champions League, and the 44-year-old has received the backing of many players, both current and former.

But, Manchester United have not made a decision yet although a move is expected before the end of the season after qualification for UEFA’s top club competition is guaranteed.

Andoni Iraola could be one of the names considered by the club as they begin to finalise their decision in the coming weeks.

The interest of Chelsea may create a problem, however, and may force the club to compete should a desire to bring Iraola to the club persist.