Andoni Iraola touted for Premier League rivals immediately after Bournemouth exit

Andoni Iraola has been tipped for a potential move to Newcastle United after leaving Bournemouth.

That is the view of the Inside The Toon panel should the Magpies move on from Eddie Howe.

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talkSPORT understands that Howe could walk away at the end of the season if he no longer feels supported by the fans.

The former Bournemouth manager signed a new deal with the Magpies in 2023, so sacking him would be expensive.

But with European football looking to be a long way off, Howe could go in a different direction.

In his time as Newcastle manager, Howe has saved the club from relegation, sealed Champions League football twice and won the Carabao Cup – ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.

But this year has been poor with the Magpies dropping 25 points from winning positions.

And should Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson decide change is needed, Iraola would be an option once he leaves Bournemouth at the end of the season.

Charlotte Robson from the True Faith podcast praised Iraola on the latest edition of Inside The Toon but holds some concerns that it could be a risk.

She said: “I think Bournemouth as a feeder club for our managers works quite nicely.

“I think Iraola is an excellent manager. I think he has a more chaotic approach to football. I think it would be a bit of a risk at Newcastle United.

“But it looks like he might be going to Europe. Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao are both apparently interested in him.

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“I think he’s excellent. He’s done a lot at Bournemouth with limited resources. I know they have these new American owners, and I know there has been some tension there.

“If we are going to get rid of Eddie Howe, anything is a risk, so would I have him? Yes, but I would like more proven European experience.”

Iraola’s future

talkSPORT understands that Iraola informed Bournemouth during the international break that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

The Spaniard could still get the Cherries into Europe this term, but he has decided for a new chapter in his career despite the club offering to make him the highest paid player or manager in their history.

He has already turned down interest from Tottenham Hotspur in the past, and there are plenty of clubs keen.

Speaking on the situation, Chief Football Correspondent, Alex Crook said: “Despite the fact he turned down the Tottenham job last summer and has been linked with Manchester United, I’ve been told we should not be surprised if he goes back to Spain with Athletic Club.

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“He supported them as a boy. He made a lot of appearances for them.

“He may still be a target for Manchester United if they decide to appoint within the Premier League, but I’m not sure he’s particularly high on their wanted list.

“There’s obvious connections with Liverpool if Arne Slot goes.  Richard Hughes was the sporting director who brought Iraola to Bournemouth.”

talkSPORT understands that Iraola would be open to a switch to St James’ Park.

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Howe’s future

Newcastle’s new CEO raised doubts over Howe’s future on Tyneside a few weeks ago when he suggested the club would assess everything in the summer.

He said: “I don’t have a stance on his future. What I can tell you is that the derby loss hurt.

“We take it seriously, there’s nothing within us that thinks, ‘Well, it’s just three points and on we go.’

“Eddie’s our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here and we’ll talk about the future when it’s time. Right now, we’re focused on this season’s competition.”

With six games to go, Newcastle are 14th and ten points off the final Champions League place.

They have also lost back-to-back games and have Bournemouth up next before a trip to the Emirates Stadium.

And judging by Hopkinson’s comments, he’ll be expecting results between now and the end of the campaign.