Chelsea and Brighton have reportedly identified Kieran McKenna as one of the leading candidates to take over from their current respective managers.
Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain despite winning his last four games and looking on course to play in the Europa League next season.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed on Saturday that the match between Brighton and Manchester United would be Roberto De Zerbi’s last match in charge after the two sides mutually agreed to part ways.
The guard have now reported that both Chelsea and Brighton have identified McKenna as a candidate to replace their current managers.
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is reportedly being monitored by both Chelsea and Brighton
McKenna has guided Ipswich to successive promotions to return to the Premier League
Roberto De Zerbi (left) leaves Brighton, while Mauricio Pochettino’s (right) future at Chelsea is uncertain
Chelsea could move into sixth place with a draw against Bournemouth on Sunday, although a win could move them up to fifth if Tottenham suffer a shock defeat to relegated Sheffield United.
It is claimed that some key figures at Stamford Bridge are in favor of Pochettino staying at the club, with Chelsea’s form at the end of the season supporting his argument.
However, Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital’s ownership is yet to make a decision on whether a decision is necessary before Pochettino’s end-of-season review.
Brighton are also targeting McKenna as a potential replacement for De Zerbi.
The Italian’s contract was not due to expire at Amex until 2026, but the highly rated manager is now looking for his next opportunity and is expected to land a big job somewhere in Europe.
Bayern was immediately installed as the leader after Saturday’s announcement. However, word spread in Germany that they have no intention of taking a dip, with club director Max Eberl quoted as saying he is not a candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel.
De Zerbi has also been linked with AC Milan and Juventus, who fired Massimiliano Allegri on Friday.
There is also speculation surrounding Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future yet to be decided after their poor season.
McKenna is currently one of the most highly rated young managers in English football
Pochettino’s uncertain future comes despite Chelsea’s strong finish to the domestic season
It is unclear whether McKenna would even consider switching clubs this summer if given the chance.
The 38-year-old, who was named Championship Manager of the Year, previously held coaching roles in the youth ranks of both Tottenham and Manchester United.
He took up the role at Ipswich in December 2021, and after finishing 11th in League One in his first season, he has since guided them to successive promotions.
Pochettino cast doubt on his own future ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Nottingham Forest earlier this month.
The former Tottenham manager explained what could happen to him during a meeting between himself and Chelsea’s owners. He said he needs to know if they want to fire him or let him enter the final year of his contract. However, Pochettino also raised a third option: the possibility that he could leave on his own accord if he is not satisfied with what has been discussed.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are reportedly yet to make a decision on Pochettino
“It’s not just when the owners are happy or the sporting directors are happy,” he said.
‘If we are satisfied, you should also ask. It will not be the first time that a technical staff decides not to continue at the end of the season. But understand that it is always the opposite: always the owners or the sporting director. There are two parties that can make a decision.
‘It’s not just because Chelsea are not happy, the owners are not happy, the sporting directors are not happy. Maybe we’re not happy. I’m not saying I’m not happy, but one side is always lacking. Maybe the other side says, “Okay, maybe this far,” and we part ways. It is not a problem. It won’t be the end of the world.’
