Newcastle United are reportedly considering Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as a replacement for Eddie Howe.
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Kieran McKenna is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies have been scouring the market for a manager amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Eddie Howe. So, the 38-year-old Ipswich Town head coach has emerged as a viable target.
Kieran McKenna has pleasantly surprised many during his spell with Ipswich Town thus far. A midfielder during his professional career as a footballer, the London-born Northern Irish youth international represented Tottenham at the youth level. However, he could not enjoy a long career and retired as a 22-year-old nearly a decade and a half ago.
McKenna’s journey in the coaching sphere came with Tottenham Hotspur, serving the North London club as the under-18 boss. However, the 38-year-old saw his stock soar during his spell with Manchester United, beginning his stint as the coach of the under-18 team.
The Northern Irish tactician then became the assistant manager before branching out by joining Ipswich Town a few years ago. McKenna has not taken long to make an impact at Portman Road, guiding his team to successive promotion-clinching campaigns while returning to the Premier League after over two decades.
Several clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, have shown interest in Kieran McKenna in the last few months due to his exploits with Ipswich Town. The latest report has linked the 38-year-old with Newcastle United, with the Magpies in a spot of bother over the long-term future of Eddie Howe.
The Englishman is one of the favourites to replace Gareth Southgate as England’s head coach. In addition, Newcastle United will not stand in Howe’s way if he accepts the job and moves to the international arena. So, they have delved into the market for a potential replacement, with McKenna and Thomas Frank emerging on their radar.
However, luring McKenna from Ipswich Town might be a tall order, considering he recently signed a new contract with the Tractor Boys. So, a summer move for the 38-year-old might not see the light of day.
