Chelsea target Ipswich’s McKenna after Pochettino leaves by mutual agreement

Chelsea are prepared to rival Brighton for the appointment of Ipswich's Kieran McKenna after ­reaching an agreement to part company with Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Pochettino, who led the club to sixth after a strong end to his only season in charge, has left after ­holding talks with the co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul ­Winstanley, and the co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali over the course of two days.

It is understood the split is down to a difference of opinion between the Argentinian and Chelsea over strategy. Pochettino, who was hired last summer on a two-year deal, was frustrated in his attempts to be given more power and it was decided it was better to bring an end to the relationship rather than risk the possibility of a major fallout next season.

Although there was support for Pochettino at board level it was not unanimous, with Eghbali understood to have been lukewarm regarding the former Tottenham manager. Chelsea have attempted to work in a "collaborative" way since being bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital two years ago and they will look for a young, progressive coach willing to buy into their way of working.

McKenna, who inspired Ipswich's astonishing promotion to the Premier League, has emerged as one of the leading contenders. Brighton want the 38-year-old to replace Roberto De Zerbi but Chelsea have been speaking to his representatives for a number of weeks. It is understood Chelsea's interest has slowed Brighton's attempts to secure a deal for McKenna.

Other names under ­consideration include Brentford's Thomas Frank, Girona's Michel, Leicester's Enzo Maresca and Stuttgart's ­Sebastian Hoeness. Vincent Kompany has been described as a dark horse despite Burnley's relegation from the ­Premier League. There are ­concerns that Sporting Lisbon's Rúben Amorim does not fit the squad's tactical profile and ­interest in De Zerbi has cooled.

Stewart and Winstanley said: "On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season. He will be welcome back to ­Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career."