Chelsea make Kieran McKenna decision in search for new manager

Chelsea have ended their interest in Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as they continue their search for a replacement to Mauricio Pochettino.

McKenna, who led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions and a spot in next season's Premier League, found himself on Chelsea's shortlist of replacements for Pochettino, who parted ways with the Blues after his end-of-season review last week.

However, as first revealed by TWTD and later backed up by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Chelsea have decided to end their interest in McKenna and are now looking elsewhere.

McKenna could still end up switching clubs this summer. Brighton & Hove Albion are chasing his signature as a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi, who left the AMEX Stadium at the end of the season, while Manchester United are monitoring his future.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Leicester City's Enzo Maresca both remain under consideration at Chelsea, with the shortlist also understood to include a candidate whose identity remains unknown - reports suggest this could be De Zerbi.

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell recently admitted he was surprised by Pochettino's exit but backed his eventual replacement to continue developing the squad.

"Yeah, you know it was a surprise," he told Sky Sports. "I think with the end of the season and how well the team did it was definitely a surprise, but you know, good luck to him wherever he goes moving forward.

"And we have got to look forward now as a club. I am not going to look into the speculation of who might come in but whoever does come in I'm sure it will go well and we can push on next season."

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