Kieran McKenna responds to Manchester United contact before Erik ten Hag decision

Kieran McKenna is expected to sign a new long-term contract at newly-promoted Ipswich Town despite Manchester United links, according to multiple reports on Monday.

The 38-year-old has been the topic of intense speculation over his future after leading the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, ending their 22-year spell away from the Premier League. With United considering their decision on Erik ten Hag's future with a review taking place, McKenna was named among the list of contenders to succeed the Dutchman.

United, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion all expressed interest with representatives from Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge contacting the manager's representatives. The Manchester Evening News reported last week that FA Cup winners had outlined the tactician as a possible replacement to replace Ten Hag but their focused remained on the final at Wembley against Manchester City.

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David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that McKenna is set to turn down interest from Premier League clubs in order to steer the East Anglian club in their first campaign back in the English top-flight. He was considered as the frontrunner to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea as well as the Seagulls, after Roberto De Zerbi stepped down at the end of the season.

Following Saturday's 2-1 win over rivals Man City, United are considering retaining Ten Hag as their manager next season, the Manchester Evening News understands.

A number of possible successors to the 54-year-old have been assessed with the club having dialogue with intermediaries in recent weeks. A