CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola has been linked to the vacant role at reigning Europa League champions Sevilla following the dismissal of José Luis Mendilibar on Sunday, but the Daily Echo understands that the speculation over the Basque's position at Cherries is unfounded.

Reports from multiple different Spanish sources state that Sevilla are waiting to see whether Iraola will be dismissed from his role at Vitality Stadium, but this is not currently a possibility.

Iraola was appointed head coach at Cherries in June following the dismissal of Gary O’Neil, the Spaniard signing a two-year deal following the expiry of his contract at La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

Although Cherries have won two EFL Cup matches since Iraola’s appointment, they are winless in all eight league fixtures under the former Rayo Vallecano boss.

Currently second bottom in the Premier League, Cherries’ points tally after eight games is their lowest since the 1994-95 season under Mel Machin in the third tier.

Sevilla’s director of football, Victor Orta, attempted to appoint Iraola as head coach when he worked at Leeds United last season.

Monchi, who served as Sevilla’s director of football last term, targeted Iraola as Mendilibar’s potential replacement.

However, Monchi left Sevilla to link up with Unai Emery at Aston Villa this summer.

Reports in Spain suggest that Iraola was targeted for the Sevilla job towards the end of last season, but Mendilibar’s success in keeping Sevilla up and winning the Europa League saw him remain in charge at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Iraola briefly played under Mendilibar at Athletic Club during the 2005-06 season.

Other names mentioned in reports include former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, who lifted the Europa League whilst manager of Sevilla in 2020.

Javi Gracia, who was appointed by Orta at Leeds after Iraola turned down the Whites, is another former Premier League boss linked, whilst Argentine manager Marcelo Gallardo is also supposedly an option despite higher financial demands.

All three of the above are free agents, simplifying their potential appointments in comparison to Iraola.