Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna seems poised to turn down any contract extension offers amidst keen interest from Chelsea and Brighton.
The 38-year-old, currently contracted with Ipswich until 2027, appears eager to advance his career and has drawn attention from Manchester United amid uncertainties surrounding Erik ten Hag’s tenure.
Despite Ipswich's intentions to negotiate this week and extend McKenna's stay at Portman Road, sources suggest that McKenna, along with his assistant Martyn Pert, are inclined towards seeking new opportunities.
Chelsea appears to be leading the race for McKenna, despite interest from Brighton, while Manchester United's situation further complicates matters, pending a decision on Ten Hag.
Any potential suitor will need to cough up a minimum of £4 million in compensation for McKenna and Pert.
Despite the buzz surrounding McKenna's potential departure, Ipswich remains composed, recognizing that such interest is part and parcel of their manager's remarkable achievement in guiding them back to the Premier League after two decades.
Their solidarity was evident at the League Managers Association’s awards, where McKenna clinched the Championship Manager of the Year and the LMA Manager of the Year titles.
Under McKenna's stewardship, Ipswich secured back-to-back promotions, finishing second in League One in 2023 and as runners-up in the Championship this season, amassing over 90 points and scoring more than 90 goals in both campaigns.
