McKenna leads race to replace Ten Hag – Paper Round

Manchester United have already contacted representatives of Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as they hunt their next boss.

Erik ten Hag is expected to leave after the FA Cup final this weekend, and the former United coach is in the frame.

“McKenna, the Ipswich Town manager who has overseen back-to-back promotions to take his side into the Premier League, used to work as an assistant at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“The 38-year-old has already attracted significant interest from Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion this summer and was named manager of the year at the League Managers Association’s awards night on May 21.

“McKenna is among a number of candidates United will consider should Ten Hag exit the club.”

Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise is a target for Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to the Mirror.

The club will try to sign the player regardless of who they appoint as manager, as they keep their transfer strategy of targeting young players.

“Kieran McKenna, Roberto de Zerbi, Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank remain in the frame with a decision expected next week. But The Blues are desperate not to miss out on 22-year-old Olise and are preparing to move for Crystal Palace ’s prize asset regardless.

“Chelsea’s owners want to retain their aggressive, bold transfer policy of bringing in players with the head coach focusing on preparing the team. Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool also want Olise with United and The Gunners set to have the edge as the versatile attacker is keen to play Champions League football.

“But that will not deter Chelsea who remain hugely impressed by his goals, his assists and his consistent high level of performance. The west Londoners have a long-standing interest in Olise, who scored 10 times from just 14 league starts, assisting six times over the past season.”

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah of Liverpool remain targets for the Saudi Pro League, but they will not be offered moves until next summer.

In a year’s time, both players will be out of contract, and can be brought over to the SPL for nothing.

“Both players are wanted as the Saudi Pro League (SPL) expands, with Salah already the subject of a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad that was rejected last September. They also have contracts expiring next season, meaning they can talk to foreign clubs in eight months’ time over a pre-contract for 2025-26.

“While the SPL has targeted some of the most high-profile players to its competition, it could also look to spend on the infrastructure of the league ahead of hosting the World Cup in 2034, knowing De Bruyne and Salah are potential free transfers within a year.

“De Bruyne’s terms at Manchester City have one season remaining and while he has shown no signs of being unsettled at the Etihad Stadium, that has not prevented Saudi interest in the leading assist-maker among current Premier League players.

“The Belgian, 32, can add another FA Cup to his trophy haul this weekend after winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at City.

“Salah, meanwhile, also has a year left on his terms at Anfield after seven years at Liverpool.”

Manchester City and Arsenal will have to move early this summer if they are to activate Bruno Guimaraes’ £100 million release clause.

The Evening Standard believes the Premier League’s leading sides need to act before late June in order to use the clause.

“The Brazilian was a standout performer on Tyneside once again in 2023-24, having cost £40 million when he signed from Lyon two-and-a-half years ago.

“Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old and want to sign a new midfielder in the summer.

“City, meanwhile, are also keen and will likely readjust their transfer plans amid the ongoing uncertainty over target Lucas Paqueta and his charges for betting breaches.”