Bournemouth are in advanced talks to hire Marco Rose as their new head coach.
The 49-year-old German is now the clear frontrunner to succeed Andoni Iraola and it is hoped a deal will be agreed as early as the end of this week.
Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna is also on Bournemouth’s list but Rose’s ready availability – he is currently out of work – and his profile have given him the edge.
There is also a buy-out clause, believed to be £6m, in McKenna’s contract and no negotiations can take place before the end of this season as he attempts to bring Ipswich back to the Premier League.
Sources have suggested this means he is less likely to be hired if a deal with another candidate is agreed. That points to Rose.
It is understood that Bournemouth are keen to make a quick appointment so they can plan for next season, in the hope that they finish this campaign strongly and qualify for European football.
Bournemouth have known for some time that it was unlikely Iraola would sign a new long-term deal, with confirmation coming on Tuesday that the Spaniard was leaving at the end of this campaign.