Kieran McKenna breaks silence on Chelsea rumours after shock Mauricio Pochettino departure

Kieran McKenna has responded to stunning reports linking him with the Chelsea post following Mauricio Pochettino's shock departure.

Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday after just one season in charge.

A manager out of work is the current frontrunner to take over at Stamford Bridge.

McKenna, who led Ipswich Town to the Premier League this season, has also been linked with replacing the Argentine boss.

The 38-year-old has enhanced his budding reputation, having guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions.

He's regarded as one of the highest-rated coaches in the UK, with the likes of Manchester United and Brighton thought to be interested in his services, too.

And now the Chelsea job has popped up, McKenna's name has been mooted.

But the Northern Irishman remains focused on Ipswich and said speculation is inevitable following his side's success over the years.

Kieran McKenna celebrates Ipswich Town's promotion. Image: Getty

Speaking at a function, where he won the League Managers Association's manager of the year award, he said: "Look, the club has had such a positive season and has such a positive future ahead.

"We’ve achieved so much, it’s been an incredible two years. When you have success like that there always comes speculation and things like that, we’ve seen that every summer.

"But I know how much everyone is looking forward to the season, the club is in a fantastic path and everyone is just really looking forward to the season ahead."

Asked whether it'd be hard to turn down the likes of Chelsea, Man United or Brighton, McKenna replied: "Again, when you do well - as a manger or as a player - there’s always going to be speculation.

"I know what we’ve achieved isn’t a normal thing so there’s always going to be speculation. But that’s not where my focus is... tonight is about what we’ve achieved over the last couple of seasons.

"It’s been a wonderful couple of years so tonight is about celebrating that. I know everyone is looking forward to next season and I know the club is going to be in a really good place going into that season."