Crystal Palace are better placed than Celtic to bring in Kieran McKenna, as several factors point to the Premier League club being the favourites to land the former Ipswich Town manager.
According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace are better placed than Celtic in the race to land Kieran McKenna, with both clubs considering the 40-year-old former Manchester United coach as a potential option. The Eagles are assessing several candidates to replace Pierre Sage, with the former Ipswich Town boss one of their firm targets.
Sage is coming under increasing pressure over his position at Crystal Palace, with the latest defeat to Newcastle United casting fresh doubt over his future. The Frenchman was already in danger of losing his job following a series of poor results across all competitions, and the club may now be ready to make a firm decision.
Several key names are being discussed as potential replacements for Sage, including McKenna. The 40-year-old recently managed Ipswich Town, and after successfully guiding them to promotion to the Premier League, he stepped back from the role to take time to reflect on his career.
Celtic are also interested in appointing McKenna as Martin O’Neill’s replacement in the near future. Sean Dyche has also been on their list according to recent reports, although the coaching qualities McKenna would bring make the former Manchester United coach a key target.
Crystal Palace the favourites over Celtic
Dyche has also been linked with the Crystal Palace job, but the club are considering different options in the market. The Eagles are not necessarily prioritising McKenna, although his extensive Premier League experience makes him a viable contender.
The South Londoners are reportedly the favourites to appoint McKenna in the race with Celtic due to several factors. The report states that the primary reason is the £8 million compensation fee Ipswich Town would seek, as Celtic are not expected to make a heavy financial commitment to appointing McKenna, something Crystal Palace would be willing to do.
The Eagles are also reportedly willing to offer McKenna a more lucrative contract than he might receive at Celtic, while the 40-year-old is thought to be eager to manage in the Premier League. As a result, Crystal Palace are in a stronger position than Celtic to appoint McKenna, and time will tell whether they prioritise a move for him over other candidates.
