Brighton ‘tick a lot of boxes’ in Kieran McKenna race with Man United & Chelsea
Brighton will be an attractive proposition for Kieran McKenna after identifying him as a potential candidate to become their new manager, sources have told Football Insider.
The Seagulls are on the lookout for a new boss after Roberto De Zerbi decided to leave the club at the end of the season.
Brighton are ambitious about their aspirations for the future and it’s believed they “tick a lot of boxes” for McKenna after being widely praised for their progress as a club in recent years.
Ipswich Town are doing everything they can to convince the Northern Irishman to stay and help them remain in the Premier League next season.
But Brighton will have a bigger transfer budget to offer McKenna than the Tractor Boys after big sales last summer helped boost the club’s coffers.
The Seagulls are likely to face competition to land the Ipswich boss after Football Insider revealed on 23 May that Manchester United and Chelsea are both plotting moves to make him their next manager.
The 38-year-old is under contract at Portman Road until 2027.
Brighton face battle to make Kieran McKenna new manager
McKenna has recorded a hugely impressive past couple of years after helping Ipswich secure their long-awaited return to the Premier League following back-to-back promotions.
The Northern Irishman boasts a 57.3 per cent win rate since taking over the Tractor Boys in 2021, leading to Brighton, Man United and Chelsea all lining up moves for him.
The Seagulls are looking to replace De Zerbi after he helped the club record an 11th-place finish, with chief executive Paul Barber admitting they already had potential targets in mind in preparation for the Italian’s departure.
McKenna is believed to be one of the names on Brighton’s list, but Football Insider revealed on 22 May Chelsea have held talks with his representatives about replacing Mauricio Pochettino after his exit was confirmed earlier this week.
Man United are also pondering a move for their former coach after Football Insider revealed on 20 May Old Trafford chiefs are likely to approach Ipswich about his availability.
In other news, Brighton on track for £20million transfer windfall, says expert.
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