Chelsea’s interest in recruiting Blues boss Kieran McKenna to replace Mauricio Pochettino has diminished, TWTD understands.

The West Londoners are believed to have held talks with McKenna’s representatives following Pochettino’s departure by mutual consent early last week.

But, while McKenna is understood to have been under serious consideration, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi now appears the frontrunner for the job with Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, who had initially been their first choice, still in the running.

Yesterday, Manchester United, thought to be McKenna’s preferred destination should he leave Portman Road this summer given his previous history at Old Trafford and lifetime support of the club, beat their great rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley with current boss Erik ten Hag widely praised for his game plan.

Despite carrying off the silverware, United are set to hold an end-of-season review in the next week, with Ten Hag’s performance a key aspect assessed, before making a decision on his future.

McKenna is certainly in the running for the United job should Ten Hag face the sack - and is the odds-on favourite with some bookies - but with that situation seemingly unlikely to come to a swift conclusion.

The Seagulls remain very interested making McKenna the successor to De Zerbi, who left by mutual consent at the end of the season, but we understand won’t wait around for too much longer before moving on to other targets.

As reported on Friday, Ed Schwartz, the CEO of ORG, the US investment firm which manages funds on behalf of the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), the club’s majority owner, is over in the UK to hold talks with CEO Mark Ashton and McKenna as the Blues pull out the stops to keep their manager at Portman Road with a new extended contract certain to be on the table.

Discussions regarding potential successors also seem likely to form part of the talks between Schwartz and Ashton with Luton’s Rob Edwards having been tipped to be among those on the list of potential replacements.

McKenna, contracted to the Blues until the summer of 2027, took over at Town in December 2021 and since then has led the club to successive promotions and into the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Photo: TWTD

SickParrot added 17:05 - May 26 The only job I could accept Kieran leaving us for NOW is Man Utd. I think it's too early for him though and another year or two would be best for him in the long term. If he was offered the Man Utd job he couldn't turn it down though in case the manager who accepts the job establishes the dynasty that Kieran would hope to do. However despite Kieran's reputation as a coach, his successful two years with us and the impressive way he handles himself with the press, his inexperience as a manager makes him a risky appoinment for Man Utd. I rate Kieran very highly but the logical appointment for them would be Pochettino. Although Chelsea are reported to be looking for a younger coach, I would expect them to want someone with some previous experience of managing at Premier League level. I would be surprised and very disappointed if Kieran left us for Brighton. His only reason for doing could surely only be because he doesn't believe he can keep us in the Premier League. So, I think he will stay and I very much hope so. Although Kieran may be blameless for all this speculation it isn't doing him or the club any favours. The transfer window opens mid June and it is crucial that Kieran has confirmed he's staying or the new manager is appointed by then.

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churchmans added 17:17 - May 26 Russel Martins representatives in talks with Chelsea,man utd & Brighton lol
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warwickblue added 17:22 - May 26 Kieran McKenna, classy as ever, has said absolutely nothing about all this media-driven nonsense. It would be so much better if we all did the same. As it stands, no-one has offered anything to anyone for anything...
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blueboyd added 17:23 - May 26 media driven? his agent is the one driving it for his client.
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surgery added 17:30 - May 26 Warwick blue…..please release the source of that statement in your second paragraph
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scooby added 17:35 - May 26 Mckenna has said nothing yet. Neither has ashton. All the talk has been by people that have nothing to do with this club. And yet we have our own fans slating him without being aware of any concrete evidence in any way shape or form. How would you like to be accused of something based in. Nothing but gossip. Alot if people on here need to think before they speak and think also about the consequences that their opinion may end up having. If he does indeed decide to talk to any of these clubs which as yet he hasnt and decides to stay we should be proud of the fact he chose us after considering all the facts. If he leaves good luck to him he deserves a chance to go higher up the ladder than we are at present because he earnt the opportunity with the work he has dine

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FromIpswichToPhoenix added 17:39 - May 26 It's crazy how quickly we went from celebrating to turning on each other. I say I think McKenna is staying and I get down voted. Ashton told us to not believe the press as he will talk when he has something to say. McKenna intentionally being seen in Town yesterday says something when he can't be saying something. As much as if he were going to United he would have been at the game. I think he'll be here next season and fans need to stop telling him to go.

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Karlosfandangal added 17:57 - May 26 Blueballs83 Very true that……..does the winning of the FA Cup and meaning United in Europe now…..does that change things for United. I think the main point for United is Radcliffe wants Champions League next season and United pushing for the top. Ten haig has got to 3 finals in 2 year winning 2…….still a big act for KmK to follow. KmK has been outstanding for the time he has been here this is a massive step up not only for KmK but also the players

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Texastom added 18:37 - May 26 This post shows we have all been fooled by the BBC Press (including me!) who should know better. Supposedly impartial - no. McKenna is not fully proven. Potential definitely. If he’s as good as he thinks and clever as he thinks he will complete his Ipswich journey and set himself up for life, like Robson.
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BurleysGloryDays added 19:00 - May 26 I’m desperately keen for KMK to stay, no question. The thing I’m sad about is this is the first time his comms haven’t been perfect. He’s been flawless to now. So this feels out of sorts and short of his own standards. Let’s all hope it’s a, “It’s all been speculation, I’ve been getting on with the job because as I said, I’m happy here”. “I was waiting for my old club” might be more honest - and might be seen as reasonable to most Town fans - but he can’t say it out loud sort of going there

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OliveR16 added 19:07 - May 26 Anyway, Chelsea will have other opportunities to look at him a third of the way through the season and again two thirds of the way through when the next sackings take place.
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SuffPunch added 19:16 - May 26 Kieran hasn't made any comment at all about the situation. Ipswich Town have made no statement either. This is all rumours and paper talk until one or the other speaks. They are too professional to get involved in this. He may go, but something concrete will be issued in good time. Don't panic.
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Tractorboy58 added 19:41 - May 26 I am now of the opinion that I don't want a manager of MY club who wants out and just using us as a stepping stone .. even if he stays now there will now always be a cloud of uncertainty over him and his real long term commitment. Good as he has been he is not the messiah and it is important now to get going with our new manager asap
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atty added 20:08 - May 26 After so much joy and jubilation after all the tension of the run in and of course after years of despair, I was looking to chillling out through the summer. Now we have all this consternation about McKenna. Even if he stays we will know he would have left if he could. This at such a crucial time for the Club. Oh and it looks as if l could lose my seat of 39 years. I despair.

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barrystedmunds added 20:17 - May 26 Well he might not be your Messiah but I’m pretty sure to the majority of us he has been. All this crap about if he stays he’s reputation has been tarnished is absolutely bullish@t in my opinion! He, or the club, have said nothing about this whole media driven frenzy as has always been the case since MA came in. Whether you consider that a good thing or otherwise cut the guy some slack. At this moment in time he’s our manager and he has delivered on every single aspect over the last 2 years something prior to which I would’ve never believed possible.

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atty added 20:18 - May 26 Lots saying no evidence that McKenna wants to leave, it’s all down to his agents. If his agents have been speaking ti these clubs, then do you really think they would do so without their client’s instructions? Get a grip.
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warfarinman69 added 21:19 - May 26 @suffolkpunch I did say I can see both sides of this. But if this is just speculation as you say why doesn't McKenna or the club just say so? It's a fine line, but in this case it would be better to say something and not allow speculation to continue.
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Kickingblock added 21:38 - May 26 A lot of people should just calm down. Worrying themselves sick and it will probably all be for nothing. Give yourselves a break, enjoy the bank holiday before you make yourselves ill.
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scooby added 22:02 - May 26 There is a big difference between someone saying they want to leave which no one has, and someone being made aware of all the oportunities that are out there. I am assuming that alot of people on here has been in the same job their whole working life and never looked into other employment
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dirtydingusmagee added 22:56 - May 26 ffs .Mc K HAS GOT US PROMOTED TWICE . it would be fantastic if he stays with Town , but he dos'nt owe us anything .
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bobble added 00:21 - May 27 keiran can only be 2nd choice, as he has never finished a team 1st...but 2nd has been good enough so far.......
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FromIpswichToPhoenix added 01:19 - May 27 For all we know, Ashton has approved of McKenna's people talking to the other clubs so that he can prepare a comparable offer. You never discuss business publicly, as it shows your cards and you lose all negotiating power. We still need to be able to trade with this clubs and get loanee players from them. Burning bridges makes no sense. And as I keep saying, McKenna was spotted in town with his son yesterday during the first half of the FA Cup game. If he was off to Manchester, he would have been at the game. At the very least, he would be home watching it to evaluate his new squad. There was nothing that he needed to do during the game other than say "hey, I'm still here". This was a huge statement from McKenna and he didn't need to say a word. Have faith in the club. They have not done us dirty yet.

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LuciBlue added 01:42 - May 27 If reports are to be believed.... We understand that....
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ibisblue added 03:25 - May 27 One down, two to go...
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Blue56 added 09:51 - May 27 I clearly remember when Bobby Robson joined Ipswich. First 3 moths were " Robson out" and he proved so many supporters wrong, Kieran can and will be a great manager for our wonderful club.
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