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.
It is understood that he is keen to remain in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace at present his most likely destination to succeed Oliver Glasner. As yet no deal has been agreed and Iraola is keeping his options open ahead of a summer where there is expected to be major managerial upheaval.
Bournemouth have been attempting to persuade Iraola to sign a new deal for the past 15 months and while they are disappointed that he is leaving, relations remain amicable.
However, it also means that the club have had some time to prepare their succession plan and Rose has been on their list. The 49-year-old is a free agent having been sacked by RB Leipzig in March 2025.
Rose, who also coached Borussia Dortmund and has managed in the Champions League, is regarded as a good fit by Bournemouth and identifies with their playing style.