Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Kieran McKenna, who is set to sign a new deal at Ipswich Town amid recent interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton. Meanwhile, Chelsea are close to finalising a deal to bring Leicester head coach Enzo Maresca to Stamford Bridge, while former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a United candidate amid reports Erik ten Hag could stay.
MCKENNA TO STAY AT IPSWICH
Kieran McKenna is set to commit his future to Ipswich Town, with the Telegraph reporting the 38-year-old is in advanced talks over a new contract with the newly-promoted side. McKenna has attracted interest from Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United, but is close to agreeing new terms at Ipswich.
McKenna has become highly coveted after steering Ipswich to back-to-back promotions.
The Telegraph adds: “Promotion this month ended a 22-year absence from the top division to trigger interest from rival clubs in the highly regarded Northern Irishman.
“McKenna decided to withdraw from Chelsea’s appointment process over the weekend, with the Stamford Bridge club now in advanced talks with Enzo Maresca at Leicester.
“Yet behind the scenes, Ipswich officials have been working on a new long-term deal, with majority shareholder Ed Schwartz flying in from the United States to hold talks with McKenna and the club’s chief executive Mark Ashton.”
CHELSEA CLOSE ON MARESCA
Multiple outlets are reporting that Chelsea are close to finalising a deal for Leicester head coach Enzo Maresca, with the Guardian claiming a five-year contract is set to be signed by the 44-year-old.
Maresca won the Championship with Leicester, and has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, who were also considering McKenna, as well as Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi.
The Guardian adds: “Chelsea are determined to back Maresca, who is prepared to leave Leicester after ending his first season at the club by leading them back into the Premier League. The process has been led by the sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
“Chelsea will still need to agree compensation with Leicester, who will want around £10m to release their manager. Sources close to Maresca have also stressed the Italian has not been in a rush to leave the east Midlands club and could decide to stay if he has any late reservations about moving to west London.
“Chelsea met representatives of Frank last week and had been speaking to McKenna’s agents for several weeks. McKenna was seen by Brighton as a replacement for De Zerbi but the 38-year-old has decided to stay at Ipswich.”
DE ZERBI MONITORED BY MAN UTD
Meanwhile, De Zerbi has been sounded out by Manchester United as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag, the Guardian reports. United will conduct an end-of-season review this week, with Ten Hag’s future unclear after their season ended on a high – an FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City.
Nevertheless, the Guardian expect Ten Hag to be sacked after reporting last week he would be dismissed regardless of the FA Cup final’s outcome.
The Guardian adds: “Thomas Tuchel was previously favourite to replace Ten Hag but Ratcliffe is an admirer of all the candidates and is keeping an open mind. The Ineos billionaire is also this week leading a season review after which Ten Hag will learn for sure if he is to be removed from his post. The 54‑year‑old’s position is in jeopardy after a dismal campaign in which United finished eighth, their lowest position of the Premier League era.”
BUT WILL TEN HAG STAY?
According to the Manchester Evening News, United will consider retaining Ten Hag for next season.
With United finishing eighth in the Premier League, there could be sense among the ownership that the head coach is not the problem, with the club requiring an overhaul that goes beyond just the manager.
The MEN adds: “Despite United’s dismal league form, Ratcliffe feels the club’s structure has been more problematic than the manager and he has resolved to address it through the appointment of Berrada, who will officially start work on July 13. Dan Ashworth is still on gardening leave at Newcastle and Man Utd have failed to make any headway with his intended appointment.
“This season’s eighth-place finish was United’s lowest since 1990 and they suffered a Premier League-era record 14 defeats. United’s uplifting FA Cup victory secured Europa League qualification and Ten Hag is the first manager to secure silverware in successive seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011.
“United are preparing for another squad rebuild and are open to offers for every player apart from Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund. The club have invested more than £400million in signings under Ten Hag.”