Ipswich Town stance on Kieran McKenna emerges amid interest from Brighton, Man United and Chelsea | OneFootball

The Tractor Boys have enjoyed a remarkable few years under the guidance of McKenna, with the Northern Irishman leading them to promotion from League One in his first full season in charge.

Against all odds, Ipswich then followed that up by making it back-to-back promotions, finishing second in the Championship to seal a return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years after collecting an astonishing 96 points after beating the likes of Leeds United and Southampton to automatic promotion.

However, his future is now uncertain, after Brighton announced that Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club after their final game of the season against Manchester United today, with McKenna expected to be their top target to come in.

Following his brilliant work with Ipswich, journalist Ed Aarons revealed that he is likely to be the man Tony Bloom wants to come in, stating: "Brighton likely to try and tempt Kieran McKenna to leave Ipswich after Roberto De Zerbi’s departure but sure that whatever happens, Tony Bloom has a plan."

Not only that, but Chelsea have made contact with McKenna's camp ahead of a potential swoop for him, according to a recent report from The Guardian. Whilst McKenna's former side, Manchester United, have been linked, with some reports claiming he is on their radar as they potentially consider sacking Erik ten Hag.

The latest on Kieran McKenna's Ipswich future

TEAMtalk are reporting that Ipswich are doing everything in their power to keep McKenna at the club this summer as interest grows from Brighton and potentially his old club, Manchester United:

"The 38-year-old has rightly earned many plaudits for the work he has done at Portman Road, having previously had coaching stints at Tottenham and Man United.

"Ipswich are doing all they can to convince McKenna to remain in Suffolk, as they prepare to embark on a massive new adventure.

"Brighton is the move that makes the most sense, especially as they are the only one of the trio that will have a definite vacancy."

In the midst of the McKenna talk, the Telegraph has stated that Rob Edwards could be in line to take over if McKenna departs Portman Road. The Luton Town boss has operated on a ridiculously low budget compared to their rivals, and has been competitive in the top division this season, despite being set to be relegated.

McKenna should stay with Ipswich

There is every chance that Ipswich will struggle somewhat next season in the top-flight, but his stock shouldn't take much of a hit, even if that is the case.

Expectations being low potentially helps both him and Ipswich next term, whereas the standards at clubs such as Chelsea and Man United mean that you have to hit the ground running and instant results are demanded.

He is better off where he is for now, with a club where everything is tailored to him. That includes recruitment as well, where he will no doubt be granted more autonomy than with other interested parties.

It will be music to the ears of Ipswich fans that they are intent on retaining his services, but incentives may yet be needed for McKenna to continue with his project at Portman Road.