Journalist Pours Cold Water on 43-Year-Old PL Manager’s Links with Tottenham Despite Him Approaching End of Contract

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for a permanent successor to Thomas Frank has taken another twist, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola no longer viewed as a leading contender despite his contract on the south coast expiring this summer.

Senior transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that momentum has shifted away from the 43-year-old Spaniard, even though his name featured prominently in early speculation. “I think there’s growing optimism from Bournemouth that they can persuade Iraola to stay at the club,” O’Rourke said. “He was linked with the Tottenham job as well, but it doesn’t seem like he’s among the frontrunners for that role right now.”

Iraola, who has earned plaudits for Bournemouth’s progressive style and consistent improvement, is free to talk to foreign clubs from January and will be available on a free transfer domestically once his deal expires. That availability had placed him on a reported three-man shortlist alongside Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi, yet sources indicate the Cherries are increasingly confident of tying their head coach to a new long-term agreement.

O’Rourke added: “If there’s no other possibilities for him, I’m sure that Iraola will be happy to stay at Bournemouth and continue the great work that he’s done over the last couple of seasons.”

The development leaves Tottenham’s hierarchy focusing on higher-profile targets. Pochettino, currently preparing the United States for the upcoming World Cup, remains open to a sentimental return to North London, though Real Madrid’s lingering interest could scupper any approach. De Zerbi, meanwhile, is thought to favour Manchester United should the Old Trafford board look beyond interim coach Michael Carrick.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor, appointed after Frank’s departure, has struggled to convince during his temporary tenure and appears unlikely to earn the role permanently unless results improve dramatically.

With Iraola’s stock still rising across Europe, the coming weeks will determine whether Bournemouth can finalise an extension or whether another elite club swoops. For now, Tottenham’s managerial picture is narrowing, and the 43-year-old’s route to N17 looks increasingly blocked.