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
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.
