Kieran McKenna emerges as Fulham's top target to replace Marco Silva at Craven Cottage

Fulham have confirmed Marco Silva’s exit from Craven Cottage and identified Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna as their preferred replacement, with the Northern Irish manager understood to be interested in the role. Prising McKenna away from Portman Road would cost Fulham £8 million in compensation following Ipswich’s promotion back to the Premier League.

Silva’s departure was confirmed on Tuesday after weeks of speculation linking him with Benfica, where he is set to succeed José Mourinho. The Portuguese manager leaves west London having delivered Fulham’s highest ever Premier League points tally and win total during his five-year tenure. He had been offered a new contract by the club before choosing to move on.

Owner Shahid Khan acknowledged the club had anticipated the possibility of Silva’s exit. “Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game and we’ve accordingly prepared for this moment,” Khan said in a statement.

McKenna, 40, has built considerable reputation after masterminding three promotions in four years at Ipswich, having taken charge of a club that was in League One in 2021. He guided them to the Premier League in the summer of 2024, attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United before signing a new contract to stay in Suffolk. Although Ipswich were relegated this past season, McKenna oversaw an immediate return to the top flight.

According to talkSPORT, McKenna is Fulham’s first choice and is himself keen on the move to west London. The £8 million compensation fee, which increased upon Ipswich’s latest promotion, represents the primary obstacle to completing a deal.

Should a move for McKenna prove unworkable, Thomas Frank has been mentioned as an alternative candidate. The Danish coach has been without a club since being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in February.