Ex-Man Utd coach Kieran McKenna lined up for first Premier League job after taking Championship by storm with Ipswich

IPSWICH boss Kieran McKenna has taken the Championship by storm but could now be in line for his first role in the Premier League.

The former Manchester United coach got the Tractor Boys promoted from League One last season.

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And Ipswich are now flying in the Championship, sitting second after their Boxing Day draw with leaders Leicester - five points clear of third place Southampton.

And McKenna's work has not gone unnoticed, with a move to Crystal Palace to replace Roy Hodgson reportedly on the cards.

Things have not been so bright for 76-year-old Hodgson, with the Eagles failing to win in their last eight games.

And, according to the , McKenna is admired at the South London club and is one of the top targets to replace their veteran boss.

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Palace hoped to keep Hodgson until the end of the season before they hired a younger boss to implement a new vision at Selhurst Park.

But McKenna's ability, coupled with the team's poor form, may force Palace into accelerating their vision, though that will depend on whether he is open to a move.

With Hodgson's contract not up until the end of term the club would have to pay the former England boss off.

And McKenna will not come cheap as Palace would have to pay compensation for him.

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The report claims McKenna may not be open to leaving Ipswich mid-season, having built a strong relationship with the club's fans, players, and board.

But a crack at the Premier League would be difficult to turn down.

Palace are just three points above third-from-bottom Luton Town and with a tough fixture list ahead a sacking may be imminent.

Hodgson did a superb job to save Palace from relegation last season and his team has managed to score just 19 goals in their 19 games so far this season.

Newly unemployed Steve Cooper also features on Palace's list of candidates to replace Hodgson.

However, it may be too soon for the Welshman to return to the dugout as he was only sacked by Nottingham Forest 11 days ago.