Just In: Chelsea Made Contact With Ipswich Town Boss Kieran McKenna

Chelsea have identified Kieran McKenna as one of the top prospects to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, whose future is uncertain ahead of his end-of-season evaluation.

Despite the club’s recent upturn in form, which has helped Chelsea break into the top six ahead of the season’s final day, the Stamford Bridge administration is not quite convinced of Pochettino.

Chelsea will make an unlikely return to Europe if they escape loss at Bournemouth on Sunday, after languishing in mid-table for much of the season.

Four consecutive victories have undoubtedly increased Pochettino’s prospects of remaining in charge at Stamford Bridge next season, but according to The Guardian, Chelsea are still considering a change.

McKenna, the highly regarded manager of Ipswich Town, is said to have already contacted Chelsea’s representatives to discuss a move to West London.

McKenna is regarded as one of English football’s most exciting coaches, having led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions since arriving at Portman Road in 2021, propelling them from League One to the Premier League.

The 38-year-old, whose playing career was cut short by injuries, spent a few years with Manchester United before taking his first management role with Ipswich.

United are also thought to be interested in bringing McKenna back, as Erik ten Hag battles to persuade the Old Trafford leadership that he can turn things around.

McKenna’s Ipswich finished second in the Championship this season, with 96 points from 46 games and only six losses over the long and arduous season.

Brighton have also been linked with a bid for the former Manchester United and Tottenham youth coach, and the club stated on Saturday that current manager Roberto De Zerbi was leaving.

Pochettino has hinted at leaving Stamford Bridge on several occasions this season, but he attempted to clarify his remarks before of their final game against Bournemouth.

When asked about his future, the Argentine replied: “We are planning.” We’re working. We cannot accept a negative comment from my side [before the Forest game]. I always try to be cheerful and communicate my feelings to others.

I never said I wasn’t thinking about the future. The pre-season schedule has already been set. Finally, it is not up to me whether or not to be here.

‘We [the coaching staff] are not fake people. We are not going to say we love something when we still don’t have an emotional link.

Pochettino is scheduled to meet with Chelsea directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley next week, but any final decision on the 52-year-old will be approved by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership group.