Andoni Iraola to Chelsea twist as rival club reach manager agreement

Andoni Iraola has been linked to Chelsea with a big decision elsewhere boosting their chances of bringing in the outgoing Bournemouth head coach

Chelsea could be set for a boost to their hopes of appointing Andoni Iraola following claims of a managerial agreement elsewhere. The 43-year-old is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season in search of a new challenge with Chelsea now seemingly interested after links to Athletic Club.

A role at the latter may really appeal to Iraola given he is from the Basque region. However, local news outlet Deia have stated there is agreement in place for Edin Terzic to replace Ernesto Valverde, who is departing at the end of the season following his third spell in charge of the club.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss, who was briefly linked to Tottenham, has been in talks with the Spanish club for a number of weeks. From the perspective of Athletic, however, nothing has been agreed with him yet which leaves the door open for Iraola to join especially as his exit from Bournemouth was only confirmed last week.

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Having not lost since early January, it is perhaps no surprise that Iraola has been linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge. However, he refused to comment on whether he would speak to Chelsea if an enquiry for his services was made.

After Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Leeds United, he said: "No, I think I said it when I announced I was not continuing here. For me, now, it's about Bournemouth. Four games. We have an incredible position, (an) incredible fight (ahead).

"(This) past week, you were asking me about other clubs. I don't know exactly which ones, but also, as a sign of respect for Bournemouth, I cannot talk right now about my future because it's not what worries the Bournemouth supporters."

Having only appointed Liam Rosenior in January, Chelsea did not look set to make another appointment this year but that is the situation the club find themselves in after sacking him in the wake of a 3-0 defeat to Brighton.

The club have confirmed that Callum McFarlane, in his second spell as interim manager, will take charge until the end of the season.

The final stages of appointing a new permanent head coach may not be underway until after the World Cup with several potential candidates at the tournament in the United States.

Manchester United's managerial decision could yet impact the Blues with Michael Carrick getting the job for the long-term removing one top club from the conversation. Alternatively, Chelsea could even look at appointing Carrick themselves.

Just last weekend he led United to victory at Stamford Bridge and has claimed eight victories from his 12 games in charge to all but guarantee Champions League qualification for next season.

Xabi Alonso, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Cesc Fabregas are just a few other high-profile names likely to be linked over the next few months.

Iraola, however, is the only manager emerging as an early contender that has recent and sustained experience managing in the Premier League.