Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who Chelsea are interested in is waiting on his number one choice Manchester United before taking a decision on his future according to reports.
The Blues are on the hunt for a new manager after they announced the departure of Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday evening following just one season in charge.
The Argentine had guided Chelsea back into European competition following a top six finish, but following an end of season review it was decided he wouldn’t continue at the helm.
McKenna would prefer a move to United or Chelsea
Attention has now turned to appointing a new manager with the Blues linked to a host of names following Pochettino’s departure.
According to reports the club have narrowed things down to a four man shortlist which includes McKenna, Enzo Maresca, Thomas Frank and an unnamed fourth candidate.
It’s believed Mckenna and Maresca are the front runners for the job at this stage with the Blues set to interview Maresca for the job.
McKenna is a man in demand following his success with Ipswich, which has seen the 38-year-old secure back to back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
Brighton are said to have interviewed the Northern Irishman on Wednesday, with the Blues also admirers, but according to The Times McKenna is prepared to wait for his first choice which is the Red Devils.
The report adds United reached out to McKenna’s representatives on Thursday, with the former United coach prepared to wait on what the club decide to do with Erik ten Hag before making a decision on his own future.
It was reported on Friday by The Guardian that United had decided to sack Ten Hag after the FA Cup final regardless of the outcome, and if that’s confirmed the Blues will need to get a move on if they want McKenna.
United and Chelsea are likely to be looking at some of the same candidates to fill the managerial role and the Blues will want to avoid missing out on their managerial choice to their rivals.
It’s expected Chelsea will name their new manager by the end of next week, but at this point no clear favourite has emerged yet.