Liverpool circle Iraola as Slot's future remains uncertain

Andoni Iraola finds himself at the centre of a managerial merry-go-round, with Liverpool now reportedly considering the Bournemouth boss as a candidate—though only if an unexpected shift occurs at Anfield.

The Spanish tactician has confirmed his intention to step away from the Vitality Stadium when the campaign concludes. Remarkably, he could yet depart having delivered Champions League football to the south coast outfit, with Bournemouth currently occupying sixth place. That finish would secure European football's top table should Aston Villa remain in fifth and triumph in the Europa League, where they face Freiburg in the final following Thursday's demolition of Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool's hierarchy has publicly maintained that Slot will continue in his role next season, pointing to their title triumph last year as justification. The club has attributed their significant regression this term to injury concerns and the £450m squad investment taking time to gel. However, The i Paper suggests that Iraola would feature prominently on any replacement shortlist should the Dutch manager depart.

The 42-year-old has attracted considerable attention across the English top flight. Chelsea view him as a genuine target following Liam Rosenior's sacking last month, with Calum McFarlane holding the fort temporarily. Iraola has shown openness to the Stamford Bridge opportunity and remains keen on a Premier League stay.

Crystal Palace have similarly thrown their hat into the ring as they hunt a successor to Oliver Glasner, who has engineered a storybook finish by guiding the Eagles to their second major final in twelve months. Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito claimed this week that Iraola stood on the verge of an agreement with Palace, complete with an attractive financial package.

Yet journalist Ben Jacobs has poured cold water on such assertions. Speaking to Give Me Sport, he characterised the situation as very much a competitive race: "Reports suggesting Crystal Palace are advancing have surfaced, but that's not what I'm hearing. It remains wide open. No deal exists between Iraola and Palace currently, despite them viewing him as an ideal fit. Other clubs will be circling too. Iraola's prepared to remain in England, though he's keen to finish his Bournemouth business respectfully before deciding his next move. Chelsea are expected to mount a serious push."

The Bournemouth manager's preference to complete the season and make a measured decision has kept the door open for multiple suitors. Whether Liverpool's interest translates into concrete action depends entirely on developments at Anfield—a scenario the club's decision-makers insist remains highly unlikely.