Newly-appointed Real Sociedad president Inaki Badiola is "getting to know" Chris Coleman and hopes he will continue to guide the team.Reports in the Spanish press have linked former Fulham manager Coleman with a move away from the struggling Second Division outfit.

Coleman had a meeting with Badiola on Monday to discuss his future at the club.

"We have a project and we want Coleman to be a part of it," said Badiola on the club's official website. "He understands it well and has asked for several days to consider the information we have given him.

"We are going to give him and Steve Kean time. I am getting to know Coleman."

Badiola admitted that the club have considered the possibility of signing former Deportivo La Coruna coach Javier Irureta should Coleman step down.

When asked about his club's interest in Irureta, Badiola said: "It's true but we are waiting to see what happens. I am always optimistic."

Badiola confirmed that Real Sociedad will make five signings in the winter transfer market in the hope returning to the Spanish top flight by season's end.

Real Sociedad are seventh in the Segunda Liga standings, 11 points behind leaders Malaga.

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