Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is a target for Premier League side West Ham United as speculation mounts over the future of David Moyes, according to TEAMtalk.
The Suffolk-based side are firmly in the hunt for back-to-back promotions under the stewardship of the 37-year-old. They currently occupy third spot in the Championship following Leeds United‘s thrilling 4-3 win over Middlesbrough last night. However, the Tractor Boys do possess a game in hand.
It’s these achievements that have placed the former Manchester United coach on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, with Europa Conference League champions West Ham the latest to be linked. The Hammers suffered a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace at the weekend, leaving them eighth in the table. As such, pressure is ramping up on Moyes, who sees his contract expire at the end of the campaign.
A shortlist has already been drawn up, which is also said to include Liverpool target and current Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.
McKenna is also seen as an attractive option. He would offer a completely different playing style to Moyes, with Ipswich widely praised for their attacking prowess. His team have hit 85 goals in 43 league outings this season, a stat matched only by Southampton. Any move for the Londoners would likely be a costly one, with the Northern Irishman under contract at Portman Road until 2027.
West Ham will be keen to finish the season and concentrate on the future. Their remaining four fixtures have not been kind and they are due to face Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as relegation threatened Luton Town before the curtain closes in May.
Ipswich, however, face a season-defining week, starting Saturday. They begin with a trip to the MKM Stadium to face Hull City before visiting FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry City. If they can come through that unscathed, they will be confident of three points against a struggling Huddersfield Town on the final day at Portman Road.
Writer’s View
It seems inevitable that Kieran McKenna will earn himself a shot at the Premier League after his exploits with Ipswich Town over the past couple of seasons. However, the Tractor Boys will be hoping that is with them. Whilst winless in three, nine points from their remaining fixtures would see them earn a place in the top tier.
The 37-year-old will be in no rush to depart Portman Road and will be wary of switching Suffolk for the capital. West Ham is a tough job and Moyes will be a difficult man to follow. Although the Scot has divided the fanbase, there is no denying that his tenure has been a successful one having delivered a major trophy last season.
