Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is set to snub interest from Manchester United and Chelsea by signing a new contract.

The Northern Irishman has been linked with both the Red Devils and Blues, although the Stamford Bridge hierarchy now look set to appoint Leicester boss Enzo Maresca. United had sounded him out as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, while Brighton were also interested in him as Roberto De Zerbi’s successor.

Now, McKenna has made the bold decision to stay with Ipswich. According to various reports, he will sign a new long-term contract in Suffolk.

It was reported the Tractor Boys were willing to offer McKenna the biggest contract in the club’s history. It would see him earn around £5m per year - around four times what he currently banks.

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Ipswich had also made an effort to keep McKenna last year by slotting a £4m release clause into his deal. He now looks set to lead the club in their first Premier League season since the 2001/02 campaign.

The news will come as a blow to both United and Brighton. The Seagulls will now be forced to look elsewhere as they aim to appoint a new manager ahead of next season. Sir Jim Ratcliffe now has a decision to make over the future of Ten Hag.

Kieran McKenna had been identified as a potential Erik ten Hag replacement (
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It was claimed that the Dutchman was set to be sacked regardless of the result in the FA Cup final. The Red Devils beat the odds to claim the trophy against neighbours Man City with a 2-1 victory.

While he stayed quiet on his position after the final whistle at Wembley, he had previously hinted that he had already held talks with Ratcliffe. “They said they want to change everything and that they want to rebuild WITH me. This is what they told me directly,” he said to Dutch outlet Vi.NL.

“INEOS will change things in the club and certain projects have already started. Carrington will get be completely destroyed, a new training ground will come.

“We need to sign an extra striker in the summer. And if we can sign another central midfielder and a replacement for Varane, things will look good again. If the team remains fit we can try and aim for top four again.”