Kieran McKenna drops Ipswich contract bombshell due to 'ambition' – Brighton move for Man United and Chelsea target gathers pace

Brighton, Man United and Chelsea are on high alert after reports of a contract development with Kieran McKenna and Ipswich Town.

Albion are said to be very keen on McKenna and believe the former Man United coach can build on the good work of previous boss Roberto De Zerbi, who left last week after two years at the helm.

Chelsea are also in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino, while Man United could be in the running should Erik ten Hag leave Old Trafford this summer. United reportedly made an approach to McKenna earlier this month.

McKenna, who spent five years at Man United and worked under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, guided Ipswich to the Premier League following back to back promotions from League One.

The 38-year-old is contracted with Ipswich until 2027 and the club are keen to seal a new deal to fend off interest. The BBC have however reported that McKenna is "likely to reject any new contract" from the Tractor Boys and is "keen to take the next step in his career."

The BBC also stated that any club would need to pay "£4m in compensation" to take McKenna and his assistant Martyn Pert from Portman Road.

Speaking to Sky Sports, at last night’s League Managers Association's awards, where McKenna won the Championship manager of the year and the LMA manager of the year. The Irishman said: “When you do well as a manager there will always be speculation. I know what we achieved is not an ordinary thing. That is not where my focus is. I know the club [Ipswich] is in a good place for this season."