Kieran McKenna responds to speculation he could replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea

Kieran McKenna accepts speculation over his position is natural amid links with Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Ipswich boss has emerged as one of the most promising young managers in the country after his work at Portman Road. He has led the club to consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Chelsea are one of the clubs interested and have identified him as a potential successor to Mauricio Pochettino - who left by mutual agreement on Tuesday. McKenna has also been linked with a return to Manchester United to replace the under-fire Erik ten Hag.

After being crowned the LMA Manager of the Year, McKenna was probed about his future. He claimed that speculation was to be expected after a successful couple of seasons.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 38-year-old said: "The club's got such a positive season and such a bright future ahead. We've achieved so much, it's been an incredible two years, and when you have those two years there's always speculation and things like that, there's been that every summer.

"But I know how much everyone's looking forward to the season, I know the club's in a fantastic path and everyone's just really looking forward to the season ahead. When you do well as a manager or as a player there's always going to be speculation, and I know what we've achieved isn't an ordinary thing, so of course there's going to be speculation then.

"But that's not where my focus is, to be honest. Tonight it's about what we've achieved last season, what we've achieved over the last couple of seasons, not just myself but everyone at the football club.

Kieran McKenna

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"It's been a wonderful couple of years, so tonight's about celebrating that. I know everyone's looking forward to next season and the club's going to be in a really good place going into that season."

Chelsea and Man United aren’t the only clubs interested in a move for McKenna in the immediate future. Premier League rivals Brighton have also been linked with him after Roberto De Zerbi’s exit from the Amex Stadium.

McKenna has just a year remaining on his current contract. He however is just one name involved in what promises to be a managerial merry-go-round this summer.

Pochettino is also in the running to be Man United boss should Erik ten Hag be sacked. Chelsea also have a comprehensive list of alternatives including Thomas Frank, Sebastian Hoeness, Enzo Maresca, Michel and Vincent Kompany.

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