Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna remains the frontrunner to take the vacant Brighton job, talkSPORT understands.
The Northern Irish manager has overseen back-to-back promotions with the Tractor Boys but could be set to leave this summer.
McKenna has also been linked with former club Manchester United, with whom he was assistant to Jose Mourinho, and Chelsea.
However, talkSPORT understands the 38-year-old is no longer a candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at the Blues.
Ipswich are thought to be interested in Luton’s Rob Edwards as a potential replacement if McKenna does leave the club.
Former Hull manager Liam Rosenior is also a contender after he was sacked by the Tigers despite finishing seventh in the Championship.
Brighton are currently looking for their successor to Roberto De Zerbi after it was announced he will leave them this summer.
The Italian replaced Graham Potter in September 2022 and was able to guide to the club to Europe for the first time ever last season.
De Zerbi has been linked with the Chelsea job but talkSPORT understands they want to appoint Enzo Maresca from Leicester City.
McKenna could therefore be set to take the Brighton hot seat ahead of next season, their eighth consecutive top-flight campaign.
He guided Ipswich to second in the Championship, just a point behind title winners Leicester and six clear of the play-offs.
Their remarkable achievement comes a year after promotion from League One and ends their 22-year Premier League absence.
Ipswich will join Leicester and play-off final winners Southampton in the top-flight next season but McKenna may not be in charge.
Brighton, who finished 11th, are confident of securing his services ahead of the summer.
