Kieran McKenna is increasingly likely to leave Ipswich this summer, talkSPORT understands.
McKenna, who recently secured an immediate return to the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, is Fulham’s top target to replace Marco Silva.
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talkSPORT understands the Ipswich boss is keen on joining the Cottagers, who are weighing up whether to trigger his £8million release clause.
Ipswich want to keep McKenna but are powerless if the clause is triggered and they are believed to be working on a potential succession plan.
McKenna was also on Crystal Palace’s list of potential successors to Oliver Glasner, but the Eagles are now moving forward with a deal for Lens boss Pierre Sage.
Fulham were also linked with a move for ex-Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, but the Dane recently ruled himself out of a return to management this summer.
Time to move on?
McKenna took charge of Ipswich in December 2021 when the club were mid-table in League One.
He arrived the day after a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Barrow in the FA Cup.
Having found the club at rock bottom, he immediately stabilised it before achieving back-to-back promotions.
Ipswich’s emotional return to the Premier League in 2024 marked the end of a 22-year exodus.
McKenna had opportunities to leave Portman Road that summer as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brighton came knocking.
The 40-year-old worked as an assistant manager to Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick during a five-year coaching career at Old Trafford.
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However, he decided to stay loyal and signed a bumper new four-year contract with Ipswich.
The Tractor Boys did not survive their first season back under McKenna, suffering relegation to the Championship.
They will get another crack at Premier League football in the 2026/27 campaign, having been promoted straight back at the first attempt.
Splash the cash
Ex-Fulham and Ipswich striker Darren Bent insists the Cottagers should not be deterred by McKenna’s £8m release clause.
“I don’t think it’s a risk,” Bent said. “It’s a manager who’s got Premier League experience.
“I know it maybe didn’t go the way that he would have liked for Kieran [in 2024/25], but he spent a bit of time at Manchester United as well, then went to Ipswich.
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“He’s done wonderful things for Ipswich in terms of promotion and getting them back to the Premier League. And it feels like a good fit.”
Meanwhile, Rangers legend Ally McCoist argued the time is right for Ipswich and McKenna to move on from each other.
“I think he’s done a fantastic job at Ipswich,” McCoist said. “And I think now’s the time for him maybe to get a new fresh challenge.
“I can see the Ipswich folk going crazy, but I think it might just be the right time for Ipswich as well, for a wee change.
“And sometimes the departures that are both amicable and the right time are the best.
“I think it’d be a great move for Fulham, a great move for him. And Ipswich can go again.”