Andoni Iraola to depart Bournemouth at the end of the season

Bournemouth will lose their manager Andoni Iraola, widely expected to leave to join Athletic Bilbao, in the summer. The Spanish manager and the club have announced that Iraola will exit his contract early in search of a new challenge.

The Cherries defeated Arsenal 2-1 in the Premier League last weekend, firmly proving Iraola has what it takes to compete at the highest level, and Bilbao have reportedly offered the manager a five year deal to return to Spain.

Iraola had a successful period as coach of Rayo Vallecano before opting to move to England, and is widely seen as one of Europe's best up and coming coaches.

However, Bournemouth's management team were unable to persuade Iraola to stay, and ultimately a return to the club where he spent 12 years as a player was too hard for Andoni to turn down.

It is understood that Bournemouth have started drawing up a list of replacements, and former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is at the top of the wishlist for the time being.