McKenna will sign a new deal at Ipswich (Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Kieran McKenna is set to snub interest from Manchester United and sign a new long-term deal with Ipswich Town.
The 38-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence at Ipswich in his first senior management role, guiding the club back to the Premier League after a 22-year absence following back-to-back promotions.
Following Chelsea’s decision to part company with Mauricio Pochettino, he emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge. However, it emerged on Sunday he was no longer being considered for the job in west London with Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca now expected to join the Blues.
Manchester United have also considered turning to McKenna should they sack Erik ten Hag with the Dutchman’s future still being decided in an end-of-season review following Saturday’s FA Cup success.
United have held talks with the Northern Irish manager’s representatives.
Brighton are also keen on his services following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
But McKenna is now set to end speculation over his future and sign a new-long term contract with Ipswich, The Athletic report.
Ten Hag’s position is still under review (Picture: John Patrick Fletcher/Action Plu)
McKenna, a boyhood United fan, joined the club to take on the role of their Under-18s coach in 2016 before being promoted to senior roles working with Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He took over at Ipswich in December 2021 and now looks set to lead the club in their first season back in the top flight since 2002.
It comes amid suggestions United are considering keeping ten Hag on for the 2024-25 season.
United officials are thought to have talks with the representatives of a number of potential replacements including Pochettino and Brentford manager Thomas Frank.
During those talks, United have stressed no final decision has been made on Ten Hag’s future with that pivotal review of the season beginning this week. No decision or action will be taken until that process is complete.
Ten Hag has one year left on his contract in Manchester.
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