Revealed: Kieran McKenna IS interested in succeeding Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea as Ipswich face fight to hang on to highly-rated boss… but Man United could hijack move after FA Cup final

Kieran McKenna is interested in the Chelsea vacancy, although Ipswich are hopeful of convincing the Premier League’s most sought-after manager to commit to a new contract.

Despite the Stamford Bridge club’s ruthless reputation for gobbling up head coaches, with Mauricio Pochettino the last to depart on Tuesday, sources close to McKenna have described a desire to challenge himself at the highest possible level.

Yet the 38-year-old now faces a dilemma that could define his coaching career. As well as Chelsea, McKenna is also in the running at Brighton after they parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi, while Manchester United could still be in the race if Erik ten Hag is sacked as they prepare to take on Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley. Stadium.

McKenna assesses his options, including a stay at Ipswich – the club he led to successive promotions from League One to the Premier League.

He is contracted to Portman Road until 2027 and talks are expected to take place shortly, although the chances of a new deal are thought to be slim.

Pochettino left the Blues on Tuesday by mutual consent after one season at Stamford Bridge

Ipswich are desperate for McKenna (left), who has guided them to successive promotions

The compensation that would be owed to Ipswich if a rival club were to prove successful in luring McKenna would be in the region of £4 million.

Mail Sport has been told that Chelsea are still seen as desirable as they continue to vet candidates.

McKenna is not alone on their manager shortlist, with Leicester’s Enzo Maresca another contender in the running on Wednesday.

Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Girona’s Michel are also in contention, while Brentford’s Thomas Frank is also in contention.

Chelsea are keen to make an appointment quickly after Pochettino’s move, with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart focusing on a ‘young, progressive’ coach.

Leicester’s Enzo Maresca (left) and Girona’s Michel (right) are also on Chelsea’s shortlist

McKenna is also in the race for Brighton after they parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi, while Manchester United could still be in the race if Erik ten Hag is sacked at the end of the season.

The club are aware that if it goes on for too long they risk a vacancy at United, causing them to compete with each other for their key objectives.

McKenna, who previously worked with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford and has been a United fan since childhood, was speaking at the League Managers Association Awards in London on Tuesday when he won the LMA Manager of the Year for leading Ipswich to the Premier League.