Man Utd and Chelsea to miss out? Brighton pushing hard to appoint Kieran McKenna as Roberto De Zerbi's replacement

According to The Guardian, the Seagulls have swiftly moved to identify De Zerbi's replacement and McKenna is leading the race to succeed the Italian at the Amex Stadium. The English manager guided Ipswich to promotion from League One in 2023 after achieving a remarkable second-place finish in the Championship. His ability to transform Ipswich has not gone unnoticed, making him a prime target for several Premier League outfits who might do away with their existing head coaches.

Chelsea, currently contemplating the future of Mauricio Pochettino, have already engaged in discussions with McKenna's representatives. Meanwhile, United, considering potential changes at the helm, have also shown strong interest in bringing McKenna back to Old Trafford, where he previously served as one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistants after joining from Tottenham as an Under-18s coach.

Despite the allure of managing Chelsea or United, Brighton offer a compelling proposition for McKenna. The Seagulls, under the stewardship of owner Tony Bloom, are recognised for their stable and supportive environment, which could provide McKenna with the ideal platform to further develop his managerial skills without the intense pressure typically associated with top-tier clubs. Brighton's well-run structure and commitment to long-term growth might appeal to McKenna, offering him the time and resources needed to succeed.

Ipswich, understandably, are eager to retain McKenna's services as they prepare for their Premier League campaign. McKenna will also be concerned about the challenge they face in bridging the financial gap to remain competitive in the top flight and escape relegation. However, any potential suitor must be ready to shell out a hefty compensation fee for the manager as he has a contract with Ipswich until 2027.