Fulham identify Northern Irishman as 'top target' with Premier League club ready to trigger £8million release clause
Fermanagh’s Kieran McKenna is reportedly Fulham’s “top target” as the Premier League club look to fill their managerial vacancy.
McKenna, who has successfully guided Ipswich Town back to England’s top-flight after sealing promotion last term, is a highly-rated young coach having previously held roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
The 40-year-old was promoted to United’s senior coaching staff by José Mourinho in 2018 and also worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford.
McKenna took on his first managerial position after joining Ipswich in 2021, guiding the Tractor Boys to consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League.
Ipswich suffered top-fight relegation in their first season back, ultimately finishing 16 points adrift of safety during the 2024/25 campaign, but will ply their trade in the Premier League once again next term after coming second behind Coventry City in the Championship last term.
However, talkSPORT have reported McKenna is “increasingly likely to leave” Ipswich this summer with Fulham identifying the former Northern Ireland U21 international as their preferred candidate.
It’s understood McKenna has an £8million release clause in his contract and Fulham are now weighing up a move for a manager who was also considered by Crystal Palace before their pursuit of Pierre Sage.
The Cottagers have been without a boss since it was confirmed that Marco Silva, who is set to take over from Real Madrid-bound Mourinho at Benfica, is leaving his role earlier this month.
Speaking about McKenna’s potential departure, former Ipswich striker Darren Bent believes the Northern Irishman would be a perfect fit for Fulham.
"I don't think it's a risk," said Bent on talkSPORT. "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.
"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."