Kieran McKenna: Front-runner named in Celtic and Crystal Palace race

Crystal Palace hold an advantage over Celtic in the race to appoint Kieran McKenna as manager, with superior finances and willingness to pay Ipswich's £8m compensation.

Kieran McKenna is being pursued by both Crystal Palace and Celtic as they consider managerial changes. The 40-year-old left Ipswich following their Premier League promotion and is now a target for both clubs.

Crystal Palace are considering McKenna as a leading contender to replace Pierre Sage, whose position is at risk after a slow start to the season. Celtic are planning longer-term succession planning to replace Martin O'Neill next summer.

However, Palace hold a significant advantage. They are prepared to offer McKenna a better contract than Celtic could likely provide, and are more willing to pay the £8m compensation owed to Ipswich. Financial constraints at Celtic Park could prove a barrier, particularly given McKenna's lucrative Ipswich deal. While Celtic have long admired McKenna, they face competition from Premier League clubs with greater resources. Celtic are also monitoring other targets including David Moyes, whose Everton contract expires at season's end.