Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is the preferred replacement for Ernesto Valverde at Athletic Club.

That’s according to La Razon, who report the Basque club have the Bournemouth manager in their sights. They’re backing up another report from Spain this week that put Iraola on Athletic’s shortlist.

That explained that there is a belief Valverde could leave the Spanish side next summer. His contract expires at the end of the season, and some believe he is showing signs of fatigue.

La Razon follow that up. They report that Athletic are already scouring the market for a replacement should Valverde not renew his contract. The sporting director’s ‘preferred option’ is Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.

He’s first choice on a shortlist of three alongside Rayo Vallecano manager Iñigo Pérez and Elche’s Éder Sarabia. Pérez, for his part, has already shown his willingness to sign a new deal at Rayo Vallecano when asked about it a few days ago.

It all depends on Valverde. Athletic are waiting to see if he will renew his deal with them. If he does, there will be no need to find a replacement. If he doesn’t, it appears Bournemouth’s manager is at the top of the...