Andoni Iraola is understood to prefer staying at Bournemouth rather than moving to Tottenham.
Frank was dismissed shortly after Tottenham lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle on Tuesday, leaving the team 16th in the Premier League and just five points above the relegation zone. The club is considering appointing an interim coach until the end of the season while searching for a permanent replacement in the summer.
Bournemouth are prepared for Tottenham to approach them about Iraola, who was already contacted last summer about a potential move. Although his contract runs until the summer, he currently does not view Tottenham as his next step. While ambitious and aware of Tottenham’s stature compared to Bournemouth, the difficulties at Spurs under Frank have reinforced his decision to remain on the south coast.
Iraola will become a free agent in the summer but is aiming for a higher-profile role, either with a rising top club or a return to Athletic Club in Bilbao, where he spent 12 years as a player with over 400 appearances.
Fulham’s Marco Silva is another candidate for the Tottenham job. The Portuguese coach has yet to respond to a three-year contract offer from Fulham, which expires at the end of the season. Silva, 48, was linked with Tottenham last summer but stayed at Craven Cottage. With five months remaining on his contract, there are concerns he may not extend his stay.
Thomas Frank’s tenure at Tottenham lasted just eight months after replacing Ange Postecoglou. The team is winless in nine domestic games. As a final measure, Frank gave the squad five days off due to their absence from the FA Cup, though players could be recalled immediately if a new manager demands an urgent meeting to address the team’s poor form.
