Ipswich Town boss aimed as replacement for out-of-contract manager

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is among those under consideration for the West Ham position, a report from TEAMtalk has revealed.

Ipswich Town have enjoyed a stratospheric ascent under McKenna and his work has not gone unnoticed.

The Northern Irishman guided the Tractor Boys to promotion last season and has had them immersed in the contest at the top of the Championship table this season. As the campaign goes down to the wire, the East Anglian side are targeting a historic back-to-back promotion.

McKenna’s efforts has seen him capture the Championship’s manager of the season title and the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace have both been credited with interest in his services before.

Now though, it is reported another Premier League side has him on the radar.

TEAMtalk reports that with David Moyes’ deal winding down and a summer exit appearing increasingly imminent, West Ham are investigating Ipswich Town boss McKenna as a potential replacement this summer.

A £4m release clause is in McKenna’s contract and the Hammers are on red alert. Some of those in the club administration believe he could be a suitable match at the London Stadium, bringing a new attack-minded mentality with him.

Inevitable interest

McKenna’s work has received admiring eyes previously and following a great season for Ipswich Town, the manager was likely to attract more attention from clubs in the market for a new coach.

Whether the eager Championship promotion-chasers can hang onto him, only time will tell.

The 37-year-old was a highly acclaimed coach when he emerged in the backroom squad with the Manchester United senior side and many backed him to keep on ascending with Ipswich. Few would have anticipated them to achieve these heights this early though, so it truly has been tremendous work from McKenna to get them to this place in such a short period.

His rapid rise and eye-catching football is bound to be desired elsewhere and with the West Ham job potentially vacant this summer, McKenna could be one to watch for that position.

Promotion would make it far easier to retain him, but if Ipswich Town are to miss out, it could be tough to prevent him from making the step up to the Premier League himself.