However, Palace will face stiff competition to secure his signature. The manager has been heavily linked with Champions League clubs as well as a return to his hometown team, Athletic Club. He made more than 500 appearances for the Spanish side during his playing career. The vacancy at San Mames arises after long-serving coach Ernesto Valverde announced his departure at the end of the campaign. Whilst former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic is considered a strong contender for the Bilbao job, the emotional pull of a return home could influence the final decision.
“No, it doesn’t have anything to do with me,” Iraola told reporters when asked if a return to the Basque club is on the cards. “Probably as a supporter because it is my club but no it doesn’t affect the situation. I’ve said it a lot of times I’m very happy here. I have a great relationship with the club and it’s true that we will have to take a decision according to this but it’s a situation I have had most of my years as manager. It is not new to me.”