Reporter Dean Jones has suggested that Chelsea could still make another £12.8 million bid to replace Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who is currently considered the frontrunner.
McKenna was seen as the favorite to replace Pochettino at Chelsea
Widespread reports have suggested that the Northern Irishman should look into a possible move to Stamford Bridge, with McKenna believed to be one of the main contenders to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
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Following back-to-back promotions at Portman Road, which took them from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons, the 38-year-old's reputation is currently at an all-time high – attracting the attention of top clubs.
Brighton have shortlisted McKenna as a possible replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, and a report from reliable newspaper The Standard claims he is ready to make the next move away from Portman Road.
|
Management statistics by Kieran McKenna |
Numbers (Transfermarkt) |
|---|---|
|
The same |
185 |
|
It wins |
109 |
|
Drawings |
44 |
|
Loss |
32 |
|
Points per game average |
2.01 |
McKenna has apparently given Chelsea the green light to approach him, but he will cost a compensation north of £4 million. Chelsea bosses believe McKenna has the skills to succeed Pochettino too.
“Soon after the news broke that Mauricio Pochettino was leaving, Kieran McKenna was a name that was often mentioned by the people I spoke to who used to be in the know,” said reporter Jones in another interview he had with GiveMeSport.
“It would be a big jump from being at Ipswich but, of course, he has big club experience from his time at Manchester United, so it might not feel as much to him as it might to any other 38-year-old.
“Chelsea have one of the best young squads in world football. They just need someone to bring it all together, and they believe McKenna has the skills to do that.”
However, that doesn't mean he is the overwhelming favorite by a mile, as Chelsea's shortlist is still very long. Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and co also like Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca – with the latter beating McKenna to the Championship title last season.
Chelsea could still appoint Ruben Amorim as an alternative to McKenna
Speaking to GMS again, Jones shed some light on Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim and that he is still in the running for the job.
The Portuguese, who has a £12.8 million release clause in his contract according to The Telegraph, has previously been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Indeed, Amorim could replace Pochettino at Chelsea.
“I have always been told that although Kieran McKenna is the leading forward, the others were still sitting in the frame. It was the first time I heard the name of Ruben Amorim mentioned a lot on Wednesday,” Jones said.
“It was last month that the club denied paying for his flight to London – when West Ham were eyeing him as their next manager – but he is someone who has been around for a long time.
“Any management situation can change quickly so, at a time when the same names are being circulated and many places are playing down his chances, he might be the one looking at the up-and-comers. Let's be honest, it would make sense.”
The 39-year-old guided Sporting to their 20th Primeira Liga title last season, ending their 20-year wait for a title in 2021. As a result, he has even been called “one of the best” by Pep. Guardiola.
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