Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy could be left frustrated if he looks to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer as managerial target Andoni Iraola may be convinced to extend his contract at Bournemouth instead of heading to Hotspur Way, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although Spurs showed ambition ahead of the campaign getting underway, with Dominic Solanke becoming the most expensive signing in the north Londoners' history thanks to completing a £65million switch, they will only end their wait for silverware and secure qualification for a continental competition if they win the Europa League.
That has resulted in there being growing pressure on Postecoglou, who saw his side suffer a 17th top flight defeat of the season when they were beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, and Levy has pinpointed Iraola as a potential successor when succession planning behind the scenes.
Iraola Set for Discussions Amid Spurs Interest
Spanish tactician may be tempted into penning new contract
Iraola could snub the chance to replace Postecoglou in the Tottenham hot-seat if the north Londoners come calling, according to GMS sources, as Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley is preparing to hold further talks with the Spanish tactician over his future and remains keen to tie him down to a new contract.
The 42-year-old has been identified as Spurs' first-choice target if they decide to make a managerial alteration, having guided his current employers to within touching distance of European qualification, but it is not a guarantee that he will be prepared to walk away from the Vitality Stadium in the coming weeks.
GMS sources have been informed that Bournemouth are hopeful of keeping Iraola out of Tottenham's clutches and, due to having a £10million release clause written into his current deal, have set their sights on rewarding him with fresh terms as they prepare to hold face-to-face discussions over his future this month.
Convincing the former Rayo Vallecano head coach to sign on the dotted line would significantly complicate Spurs' pursuit and highlight that he is prepared to commit his long-term future to the Cherries even though the north Londoners, who have an obligation to buy Kevin Danso for £20.9million in the summer, have been circling.
Bournemouth are optimistic that Iraola will choose to remain in his current surroundings despite the south coast outfit being aware of Tottenham's interest in case a vacancy arises, GMS sources have learned, and the capital club have not made a formal approach after appointing Vinai Venkatesham as their new chief executive.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Andoni Iraola has tasted victory in 122 of his 296 matches in management
Final Call Still Must be Made on Postecoglou
North Londoners have stopped short of deciding to wield axe
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham have not made a final decision on whether to sack Postecoglou, but parting company is being seen as a realistic possibility despite remaining fully focused on their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Bundesliga giants Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Greek-Australian tactician insisted that luck had deserted his Spurs side after a host of saves from goalkeeper Kaua Santos resulted in the north Londoners being held to a 1-1 draw in the home encounter, meaning they are facing an uphill battle to progress as they prepare to head to Germany on Thursday.
Iraola is not the only potential replacement for Postecoglou as GMS sources understand that Marco Silva and Thomas Frank - who offer plenty of Premier League experience thanks to currently being in charge of Fulham and Brentford respectively - have also been discussed as part of succession planning.
GMS sources recently revealed that Bournemouth planned to hold conversations with their boss over penning an improved contract last month and, having seen Spurs continue showing interest, they are poised to enter further discussions in the coming weeks as they aim to keep him at the Vitality Stadium helm.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 15/04/2025