Brighton have identified Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna as their potential future manager if Roberto De Zerbi leaves the club.
The Italian manager is unsettled at the Premier League club after being linked with a move away from Brighton.
De Zerbi has been linked with a number of high-profile jobs this summer including Manchester United, Liverpool, AC Milan and Bayern Munich.
The Premier League club’s form has suffered in recent weeks with Brighton failing to win in their last six league games.
According to a report in the Guardian, Ipswich manager McKenna is the primary target for the Seagulls.
McKenna, who coached Manchester United’s first team under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, is reportedly attracting the attention of Brighton.
His arrival in December 2021 helped the Tractor Boys win promotion from League One in the previous season.
The Ipswich Town manager has performed admirably in his first senior management position to establish himself as a strong candidate to take De Zerbi’s place should he decide to move on to a new club.
With one point needed from their last game to guarantee a return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence, the Championship club are on the verge of their second straight promotion.
However, the source points out that if Brighton were to lose De Zerbi and step up their interest with an offer, McKenna’s loyalty to Ipswich—the team that gave him his first management position—might come into play.
McKenna has a contract with the Championship team that runs until 2027.
In the event that he decides to quit, Ipswich will be entitled to demand a substantial payout.
De Zerbi has impressed some of the biggest clubs across Europe after the impressive work he has done with Brighton since replacing Graham Potter.
The Italian has developed an attacking playing style at the Premier League club that is supported by the high-pressing of his players.
Since joining the Seagulls in September 2022, he has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young managers.
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