PL struggling club is interested in Ipswich Town’s coach

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is a potential target for Premier League struggling Crystal Palace.

The Eagles are believed to be prepping for the summer, when experienced manager Roy Hodgson is anticipated to be removed. The former England manager is under increasing pressure, however, as the London-based side is currently only five points above the relegation zone before of their match against Chelsea tomorrow night.

McKenna has attracted the eye of several Premier League clubs in the last year. After joining Ipswich from Manchester United in 2021, he led the Tractor Boys back to the Championship in his first full season as manager.

His achievements this season, however, have put him in the public eye, having spent much of the season in the automatic promotion slots as the East Anglians try to return to the first division for the first time in 22 years. However, recent form has seen them plummet to fourth place, with Southampton and Leeds United capitalizing on recent mistakes.

That hasn’t deterred Palace, who have the 37-year-old on their shortlist to take over after Hodgson leaves. Nixon prefers other options, including former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper, England manager Gareth Southgate, and Lille head coach Paulo Fonseca.

McKenna committed his future to Ipswich last summer, signing a new four-year contract with a £4 million release clause. Palace would prefer not to pay this price, but he has not been completely ruled out.

After a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion, Southampton moved four points ahead of their promotion opponents. Leeds United, who won 3-0 against Rotherham United, currently sits three points above them in third place. Next up for the ex-Red Devils coach is a trip to Millwall on Wednesday night, where they have only won one of their last nine league games.

Kieran McKenna will continue to be connected with a number of Premier League roles in the coming months, though Ipswich will be content with the scenario. The young manager is contracted at Portman Road until 2027, and it would take a significant fortune to entice him go.

Furthermore, he is content at the club and believes time is on his side. The ultimate goal is to assist the Tractor Boys end their two-decade absence from the top flight. Barring an utter calamity, a play-off spot is all but guaranteed, and it is perhaps preferable to get this mid-season downturn out of the way now rather than losing form at the end of the season.