Bournemouth Eye Thomas Frank as Andoni Iraola’s Potential Successor

Bournemouth have earmarked Thomas Frank as Andoni Iraola’s successor if the Spaniard leaves the club this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The former Brentford boss was sacked after just eight months in charge at Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season.

As previously reported by SportsBoom, the Dane is being considered for the Crystal Palace hot seat when Oliver Glasner leaves at the end of the season.

It is understood Sean Dyche is set for talks with Palace chiefs as Steve Parish runs the rule over his top candidates.

Our sources understand the Cherries are looking to life beyond Iraola, with Frank’s name firmly in the frame to take over at the Vitality Stadium. 

Frank’s stock from his time as Brentford boss has not been damaged by his short-lived Spurs' reign.

He is seen as the perfect project manager to help Bournemouth rise up the table despite selling their best assets year on year.

Iraola is renowned for signing rolling one-year contracts and has not penned an extension with the south coast club with interest coming from multiple outlets for the soon-to-be free agent. 

Iraola A Wanted Man

It is understood Iraola is in the running for a number of high-profile jobs, but sources close to the situation have told SportsBoom he has his heart set on returning to Athletic Bilbao. 

He denied that talks had already taken place, but he remains the frontrunner for the job.

Iraola is a club legend at Bilbao, where he amassed over 400 league appearances during a decade-plus stint. 

During his playing days, Iraola won five runners-up medals with the club and would love to lift a treasured trophy there as manager.

Ernesto Valverde announced last week he will end his third spell at the club at the end of the season.

It has been a successful four years for the club as Valverde orchestrated their return to the Champions. League as well as winning a Copa Del Rey trophy.