Exclusive: Brentford set sights on Kieran McKenna as Thomas Frank to Tottenham accelerates
Brentford have set their sights on appointing Kieran McKenna if Thomas Frank quits to join Tottenham, sources have told Football Insider.
Club chiefs are laying the groundwork to hire a replacement if Frank is lured to Spurs to replace Ange Postecoglou.
There are growing fears at the Brentford Community Stadium that the 51-year-old Dane will make the short move across London should Postecoglou’s exit be confirmed.
Football Insider revealed (4 June) that Frank has emerged as Spurs’ number one choice to replace Postecoglou as they weigh up sacking the Australian.
McKenna is rated highly by Brentford’s recruitment team, and they believe he could be an ideal fit despite overseeing Ipswich‘s relegation to the Championship last season.
The Northern Irishman has been in charge at Portman Road since 2021, steering the club to back-to-back promotions and Ipswich’s first season in the Premier League in over 20 years.
Kieran McKenna’s experience key to Brentford interest
Despite the goals of Liam Delap, who netted 12 times in the league for Ipswich, the Tractor Boys’ season produced just four wins from their 38 games.
McKenna’s reputation, however, remains largely intact following the positive impact he’s made since joining the club in what is his first managerial role.
Having worked as a coach at Tottenham, the 39-year-old became assistant manager to Jose Mourinho at Manchester United ahead of the 2018-19 season before he was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The former Spurs midfielder was also linked with a return to Tottenham earlier this year, but has now emerged as a target for Brentford should Frank make the switch to N17.
Bryan Mbeumo wages demands revealed
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo favours a move to Man United in the summer transfer window, and while that represents an opportunity for the Red Devils, it will not be cheap.
According to a new report from The Times, the 25-year-old wants a £250,000 per week salary to agree a move to Old Trafford.
As well as his wages, it is stated Man United would face having to meet an asking price of at least £60million to complete the signing of the Cameroon international.