Kieran McKenna stance on Manchester United emerges amid Chelsea contact
Chelsea could be dealt a managerial setback in their pursuit of replacing Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine was sacked after less than a year in charge, despite salvaging a place in Europe after their sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Under the stewardship of Todd Boehly, the Blues have already dismissed Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter with the likes of midfielder Enzo Fernandez set for a fifth manager in his short-spell in London. Bruno Salter and Frank Lampard held short-term posts on an interim basis in what has been a hectic period at Stamford Bridge.
Kieran McKenna has been named among the candidates speculated to replace Pochettino in West London, after steering Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions which has landed the Tractor Boys back in the English top-flight for the first time in 22 years.
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Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has also been mooted as a successor to the former Tottenham Hotspur manager after ensuring the Foxes' stay in the Championship was shortlived - guiding them to the second division title.
However, Chelsea could be dealt a major blow in their pursuit of the League Managers Association manager of the year. The Manchester Evening News has reported that 38-year-old is open to taking over the post at Old Trafford with pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman could find himself out of a job at the end of the season despite leading the Red Devils to one League Cup and back-to-back FA Cup finals. McKenna is said to have attracted interest from Manchester, London and Brighton & Hove Albion - where Roberto De Zerbi is stepping down this summer.
The Seagulls have reportedly earmarked the former United coach to replace De Zerbi but Chelsea or United could trump them. The MEN reports that Chelsea have held discussions with McKenna but there is a reluctance to rush into a decision amid the possibility of a managerial change at the Theatre of Dreams.
McKenna arrived at United''s academy in 2016 before rising through the coaching ranks to take up the position of first-team coach. He made the plunge into management after Ralf Rangnick was appointed interim manager where he was handed an opportunity in East Anglia.
Pochettino was immediately installed as the favourite to land the United job following his sacking at Stamford Bridge but former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also said to be in the running. Reports have surfaced this week suggesting that McKenna will turn down an extension at Portman Road, with one year remaining on his contract, after interest emerged from established Premier League clubs.