Premier League duo dealt blow in manager search?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 27 May 2024

Two Premier League clubs are reportedly dealt a blow with one of their alleged managerial targets said to be ready to sign a new contract at his current club.

Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly likely to miss out on the managerial appointment of Kieran McKenna.

The Northern Irishman has emerged as a man in demand having secured back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town, who are back in the Premier League after more than two decades away.

Although McKenna lacks the high-profile experience of competing in England's top flight, it has not stopped interest from a number of different clubs.

Up until Monday, it had been reported that the 38-year-old was high on Chelsea's shortlist of potential successors to Mauricio Pochettino.

However, the Blues have allegedly made contact with McKenna to inform him that he is no longer being considered to take the place of the Argentine.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on April 30, 2024 © Reuters

McKenna to sign new Ipswich deal?

With United and Brighton known to be admirers of McKenna, his rejection from Chelsea seemingly opened the door for the Red Devils or Seagulls to make their move.

Instead, according to The Athletic, McKenna is now expected to extend his contract with the Tractor Boys, rather than take on a new challenge.

Previous reports had indicated that Ipswich were prepared to quadruple McKenna's current wages in order to retain his services in the long term.

Even though it initially appeared that McKenna was happy to shun such figures, it seems he will now opt for continuity and the chance to try to keep Ipswich in the Premier League.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag applauds the fans after the match on May 15, 2024 © Reuters

What would development mean for Man United, Brighton?

In the case of United, they still have a manager in Erik ten Hag who has just delivered the FA Cup despite widespread reports he will be sacked regardless of the triumph over Manchester City.

United's newly-formed hierarchy are said to be in the process of conducting a review of the 2023-24 campaign and whether they should appoint a fresh face.

McKenna is a particularly attractive proposition courtesy of his previous stint at United, where he worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Meanwhile, Brighton are looking for a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, who officially departed the club by mutual decision last weekend.

With most bookmakers, McKenna remains high on the list, but former boss Graham Potter and Southampton's Russell Martin are also heavily fancied to make the move to the Amex Stadium.