Kieran McKenna has given Chelsea the green light to step up their approach that could see the Ipswich manager replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
The Northern Irishman is understood to be keen on the job and has welcomed the Blues putting him on their shortlist of candidates. Ipswich want McKenna to stay and will offer the 38-year-old a new contract, despite his current deal running until 2027.
Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday, halfway through his two-year contract. The former Tottenham boss led Chelsea to a sixth-place finish, securing European football, but the Blues’ owners still considered that as under-performing.
Chelsea have launched straight into the search for a sixth coach in two years, and McKenna has emerged as one of the leading candidates.
The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to consecutive promotions, taking the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League, and believes he is ready for the next step in his career.
Ipswich are thought to be able to command compensation north of £4million, though that would not deter Chelsea from any pursuit. Brighton have also identified McKenna as a key target to replace the now-departed Roberto De Zerbi.
McKenna won the League Managers Association manager of the year award this week, underlining his work in taking the club back to the top flight for the first time in 22 years.
McKenna embodies the blueprint of a coach that Chelsea’s hierarchy want to lead the Blues forward. The club is determined to bring in a young, talented head coach who can grow with the club and develop a lengthy career.
Ruben Amorim has been Chelsea’s longest-term target, but the Sporting manager appears difficult to prise away from Lisbon this summer. Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness is also highly regarded, but is expected to want to stay in his current role.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank has plenty of admirers at Chelsea, but is not thought to be keen on a switch across west London. Leicester’s Enzo Maresca could, therefore, become another strong contender for the job, with Girona’s Michel also under consideration.
