Kieran McKenna: Front-runner named in Celtic and Crystal Palace race

Crystal Palace have an advantage over Celtic in the race to appoint Kieran McKenna as their next manager, sources have told Football Insider.

The 40-year-old is highly sought after following his departure from Ipswich in the summer, and is being eyed by both clubs as they weigh up a change in manager in the near future.

Pierre Sage's position at Crystal Palace is at risk after a slow start to their season, while Celtic are putting long-term plans in place to replace Martin O'Neill next summer.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic have been long-term admirers of McKenna, but could miss out due to the finances on offer.

Crystal Palace would be prepared and willing to offer a better contract to the former Ipswich Town boss than he would likely be able to demand from the Celtic board.

Meanwhile, Ipswich will be due around £8million in compensation if McKenna moves in the coming months, with Palace considered more likely to fork out the funds.

Could Crystal Palace move for Kieran McKenna?

Football Insider revealed on 23 October that Crystal Palace are considering McKenna as a leading contender to replace Sage, should they decide to pull the trigger.

He is believed to be eyeing a return to management after leaving Ipswich upon their promotion to the Premier League, with the Eagles now firmly among his admirers.

Palace, like Celtic, have been keeping an eye on McKenna's long-term development and could soon make a move to steal a march on their rivals in their pursuit.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Keiran McKenna would be a big target for Celtic if they were able to lure him in.

"He's got admirers within Celtic Park, but obviously they would have a lot of competition for his services as well, because there are a number of clubs keen on him.

"Also, I think financially it could be an obstacle for Celtic in that respect because he was on a very good deal at Ipswich.

"Clubs in the Premier League in England probably would be willing to offer him more than maybe Celtic would be, so they would have an advantage if they were to make a move."

Who could be the next Celtic manager?

While O'Neill is expected to see out the season with Celtic, they are now putting plans in place to appoint his successor in the summer, with multiple big names in mind.

Despite being likely to miss out on McKenna, they are keeping a close eye on his situation, but he is not the only manager on their radar ahead of next summer.

Football Insider revealed on 24 October that David Moyes remains firmly on Celtic's radar and they could make a move to appoint him as their next manager.

The Everton boss is set to see his contract expire at the end of the season, and with recent delays in talks over an extension, there is a growing feeling he could move on.

Celtic are on high alert over his situation, and are now keen to bring him in if he does become available, given his wealth of experience and connection to the club.