Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest after announcing that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Forest are preparing for a second season in the Premier League under Steve Cooper, after the Welshman led them to safety with one game of the 2022/23 season remaining. The Reds have been praised for sticking by the manager when he found himself under pressure during certain parts of the season as the club battled against the drop.
There is no indication that a managerial change will be made this summer, with Cooper preparing to lead Forest for another season in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest news and transfers LIVE: Renan Lodi latest, Reds man opens up on future
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest confirm activation of contract clause ahead of key transfer window
Despite Cooper remaining in position and being adored by the fans, another name has been linked with the role in the Spanish press. Journalist Manu Sainz claims that Forest is emerging as the ‘first option’ for Iraola after his departure from Vallecano.
Speaking this week, the manager confirmed his intentions to leave the Spanish club at the end of the season. "It's hard to keep secrets,” Iraola said, as per 20 Minutos. “I'm not going to continue as coach, but I don't want this to be a farewell.
“The decision has nothing to do with another club, it is to continue or not. From June 5 we will start thinking about more forward and we'll see what to do. It is not a decision made from one day to the next. It has not been a surprise for the club.
“In the end we have spoken again and they had the decision made. It is not for a reason. I have been very comfortable for three years and I consider that it is the right time. I am leaving being very lucky. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine it that way.
“Being at Rayo has been even more beautiful than I expected and qualifying for Europe would not have changed the decision either. The club has tried until the last moment to make me stay but we have acted honestly and I would not look for culprits because there have not been any.”
The 40-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Leeds United, with the Whites showing their interest following the sacking of Jesse Marsch back in February. Leeds have since announced the departure of Sam Allardyce from the club after failing to keep them in the Premier League at the end of the season, meaning that they will again be on the lookout for a new manager.
What do you think of the links? Tell us in the comments section
READ NEXT:
- The transfer challenge facing Nottingham Forest amid hint being dropped
- Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White told what he needs after England snub
- Lodi, Henderson, signings - Every word Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has said on transfers
- Nottingham Forest old boy praises 'perfect' Evangelos Marinakis decision
- The latest Nottingham Forest news in one place
