Middlesbrough sacked Aitor Karanka on Thursday, with the former Chelsea and Derby County bosses in contention to replace him.
General view of Middlesbrough’s Riverside stadium
Former Premier League bosses Guus Hiddink and Nigel Pearson are believed to have expressed an interest in replacing Aitor Karanka at Middlesbrough, reports The Telegraph.
The vastly experienced Hiddink last managed Chelsea on an interim basis, and Boro are said to be discussing whether to bring him back to English football.
Chairman Steve Gibson has reportedly identified the Dutchman as the man best suited to arrest the Teessiders’ slide towards the Championship.
It is claimed that Boro have strong links with Chelsea, primarily through former Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon, who has previously advised the Riverside club.
Former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink
Hiddink, however, is not the only candidate for the role, according to The Telegraph, and former Middlesbrough defender Pearson is also said to have thrown his hat in the ring.
Pearson, who rescued Leicester City from a similar position two seasons ago but was sacked anyway, briefly returned to football for an ill-fated spell at Derby County last year.
Former Derby manager Nigel Pearson
The Gazette reports that Boro approached Pearson 12 months ago when Karanka looked set to walk away from his position.
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