- Kieran McKenna has sensationally guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions
- The Northern Irishman is wanted by several Premier League clubs
- IAN LADYMAN: The Premier League title race is down to the wire, it’s not boring compared to other European leagues! – Listen to the It’s all starting! podcast
Kieran McKenna is interested in Chelsea’s vacancy, although Ipswich are hoping to convince the Premier League’s most sought-after manager to stick with the possibility of a new deal.
Despite the Stamford Bridge club’s ruthless reputation for gobbling up head coaches, with Mauricio Pochettino the latest to leave on Tuesday, sources close to McKenna have described a desire to challenge himself at the highest level possible.
However, the 38-year-old now faces a dilemma that could define his coaching career. As well as Chelsea, McKenna is also in the race at Brighton after parting ways with Roberto De Zerbi, while Manchester United could still join the race if Erik ten Hag is sacked as they prepare to face Manchester City in the UEFA Cup final. Saturday’s FA Cup at Wembley. Stadium.
McKenna is considering his options, one of which includes staying at Ipswich, the club he led to consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League.
He is contracted to Portman Road until 2027 and talks are expected to take place imminently, although the chances of agreeing a new deal are considered slim.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna interested in succeeding Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea
Pochettino left the Blues by mutual consent on Tuesday after one season at Stamford Bridge.
Ipswich are desperate to retain McKenna (left), who has led them to back-to-back promotions.
The compensation that would be due to Ipswich, if a rival club manages to lure McKenna, is said to be around £4m.
Mail Sport has been told that Chelsea are still considered desirable as they continue to monitor candidates.
McKenna is not alone on his list of managerial candidates, with Leicester’s Enzo Maresca emerging as another contender in the race on Wednesday.
Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Girona’s Michel are also in contention, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank also linked.
Chelsea are keen to make a quick appointment after parting ways with Pochettino, with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart targeting a “young and progressive” manager.
Leicester’s Enzo Maresca (left) and Girona’s Michel (right) are also on Chelsea’s shortlist
McKenna is also in the race at Brighton after parting ways with Roberto De Zerbi, while Manchester United could still join the race if Erik ten Hag is sacked at the end of this season.
The club are aware that if they delay too long, they will risk leaving a vacancy at United and becoming rivaled for their main targets.
McKenna, who previously worked under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford and is a childhood United fan, spoke at the League Managers Association awards in London on Tuesday as he won the LMA Manager of the Year award for leading Ipswich to the Premier League.
