Andoni Iraola is leaning towards staying on as manager of AFC Bournemouth next season, The Daily Telegraph exclusively reported on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old Andoni Iraola is from Spain and played for Athletic Bilbao for 12 years. After retiring, he coached AEK Larnaca, Mirandas and Rayo Vallecano, during which time he led Rayo Vallecano to promotion to La Liga and achieved relegation for two consecutive seasons.

In July 2023, Iraola officially took over as Bournemouth's head coach. In his first season as coach, he led Bournemouth to a record of 17 wins, 9 draws and 18 losses, and finally ranked 12th in the Premier League with 48 points.

Following last season's outstanding performance, Bournemouth under Iraola continued to maintain a good form this season. They are currently ranked 9th with 13 wins, 9 draws and 10 losses, with 48 points, and are expected to qualify for the European Cup in the 2025/26 season.

The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Iraola and Marco Silva were both considered potential successors to Tottenham manager Angel Postecoglou, while Brentford manager Thomas Frank was also being considered. However, Iraola currently prefers to stay at Bournemouth.

Iraola's current contract will expire in 2026, and Bournemouth is trying to persuade him to renew his contract in advance. According to the BBC and other media, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley will fly to England this Saturday to start contract renewal negotiations with Iraola.