Ipswich Town has made a bold move to secure the future of their highly rated coach, Kieran McKenna, by offering him a blockbuster new contract. The club is determined to keep him at Portman Road despite interest from top Premier League teams.

McKenna, who has successfully led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions, is in high demand. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brighton have all expressed interest in acquiring his services. Recognizing his value, Ipswich’s board is offering him a new contract worth an impressive £5 million a year over the next four seasons.

The urgency of Ipswich’s offer is heightened by expectations that Brighton will make a formal bid within the next 24 hours. Brighton is actively seeking a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, and McKenna is one of their top targets.

McKenna’s deal with Ipswich is quite favorable for a Championship manager, standing at about £1.2 million a year. The new offer, which is significantly higher, reflects Ipswich’s commitment to keeping McKenna at the club. However, it remains to be seen if this will be enough to deter other suitors.

Ipswich’s Best Chance for Success

Ipswich believes that retaining McKenna is crucial for their chances of staying in the top flight next season. At 38 years old, McKenna has already proven his capability by guiding Ipswich to a remarkable promotion. Last season, he was even in discussions with Crystal Palace about replacing Roy Hodgson.

This new deal is the biggest contract Ipswich had offered since 2001, when they signed Italian goalkeeper Matteo Sereni for over £20,000 a week in a £4.5 million deal from Sampdoria. Although Ipswich was relegated from the Premier League a year later and has only now returned, McKenna’s leadership is essential to their future success.

Despite Ipswich’s lucrative offer, McKenna might still face tough choices. He could receive offers from Manchester United, where he previously worked as an assistant coach. United is also considering other high-profile candidates like Mauricio Pochettino, who recently left Chelsea. While Erik ten Hag is currently holding onto his position, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly a big fan of Pochettino.

Chelsea’s board has also internally discussed McKenna alongside candidates like De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim. With multiple top clubs interested, McKenna is in a strong position to weigh his options.

Ipswich is trying to retain McKenna, a coach they see as vital to their success in the top flight. Offering a significant new contract reflects their commitment and recognition of his achievements. However, with interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, McKenna’s future remains uncertain. Ipswich fans and the club’s board anxiously await his decision, hoping their ambitious offer will be enough to keep him at Portman Road.

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