Reports suggest that Kieran McKenna turned down Chelsea’s offer to become their new head coach, opting to stay at Ipswich Town instead. Chelsea eventually turned their attention to Enzo Maresca as they searched for a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club by mutual consent last week.
McKenna, who led Ipswich Town to consecutive promotions, was a frontrunner for the Chelsea job but chose to remain at his current club. Both Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion were interested in McKenna, but he is reportedly on the verge of signing a contract extension with Ipswich, making him one of the highest-paid managers in English football.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have set their sights on Maresca, currently the manager of Leicester City. The Italian is expected to join Chelsea if a compensation package can be agreed upon with Leicester. Reports suggest that Leicester could demand £10 million for Maresca’s services.
If Maresca does make the move to Chelsea, he is likely to sign a five-year deal with the club.