Ipswich Town latest: Kieran McKenna linked to West Ham, Vaclav Hladky contract, Ben Johnson | OneFootball

Considering that Ipswich Town were a League One side this time last year, the fact they're still solidly in the mix near the top of the Championship is a sign of the incredible season they have had, regardless of how it may end.

They currently sit in third place, with a game in hand on the top two sides, and are one of the favourites to be promoted to the Premier League.

Their rapid rise since manager Kieran McKenna took over at Portman Road has naturally attracted attention from the wider footballing world and interest from other teams in those that have played a role in the Tractor Boys resurgence.

McKenna linked to Premier League job

Managers who seem to be outperforming expectations will always provoke interest when jobs further up the pyramid become available and McKenna is no different.

TEAMtalk have reported that the 37-year-old is on West Ham United's radar for the top job, with their incumbent manager David Moyes out of contract at the end of this season and no certainty as to whether fresh terms will be offered.

McKenna is thought to have a £4million release clause in his contract, which is a factor in the Hammers' interest, but it may be difficult to lure him away if he guides Ipswich into the Premier League.

He is one of the most talked about young coaches in football, so West Ham are unlikely to be alone in their interest, at Ipswich will need to do all they can to keep hold of their manager over this summer.

Hladky set to be offered fresh terms

It has been reported by journalist Alan Nixon that Ipswich goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky is set to be offered fresh terms at Portman Road.

The 33-year-old's experience between the sticks is thought to be valued highly by the Tractor Boys, a trait that could be crucial if they do gain promotion to the Premier League.

His current deal is due to expire at the end of this season, but according to Nixon's report, the club are set to offer him a new three-year deal.

Goalkeeper is one of the hardest positions to replace and, as shown by Burnley with James Trafford this season, entering the Premier League with an unfamiliar gloveman can be costly. A new deal for Hladky could prove to be a smart move from Ipswich.

Ipswich join Ben Johnson race

This summer could produce a scenario that sees full-back Ben Johnson move the opposite way to McKenna, leaving West Ham for Ipswich.

The 24-year-old's terms at the London Stadium will expire at the end of this season and, despite the Hammers' best efforts to get Johnson to sign a contract, he has so far turned their proposals down.

This has created a race for his signature should he decide to depart the Premier League club and TEAMtalk have reported that Ipswich, along with Leeds United and Southampton are tracking the situation.

It remains to be seen where Johnson sees his future, but whether Ipswich find themselves in the first or second tier next season, he would be an absolute steal on a free transfer, with years ahead of him to develop and improve.