Steve Cooper has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Michael Carrick as Middlesbrough edge closer to appointing a new head coach.
Welsh boss Cooper heads a shortlist of three main contenders, that also includes former Wales international Rob Edwards, as well as Danny Rohl.
An announcement is expected by early next week, with the club keen to have a new boss in place before pre-season begins.
Cooper, currently without a club after a short-lived spell in charge of Leicester City, is believed to be the top target.
The 44-year-old built a strong reputation in the Championship, first with Swansea City — where he led the club to successive play-off finishes — and then with Nottingham Forest, where he pulled off a remarkable turnaround.
Taking over a Forest side rooted to the bottom of the table in September 2021, Cooper guided them to a play-off victory over Huddersfield Town and secured Premier League promotion.
Though Forest avoided relegation in their return top-flight season, Cooper was dismissed in December 2023 with the team in 17th place.
His next opportunity came at Leicester, but he lasted only until November, managing just two wins from 12 league games before being sacked.
The Foxes went on to be relegated under his successor, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
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Now, Boro chairman Steve Gibson is hoping Cooper can replicate the kind of rejuvenation he sparked at Forest, following Carrick’s dismissal after a campaign that ended in underwhelming fashion.
Despite reaching the League Cup semi-finals and finishing eighth the previous year, Boro’s drop to tenth this season — after a promising start — triggered a four-week review that led to Carrick’s departure.
The club has fielded widespread interest since Carrick’s exit but has since eliminated several names previously linked, including Steven Gerrard, Gary O'Neil, and Marti Cifuentes.
Edwards remains a strong candidate. He previously caught Boro’s attention during Carrick’s appointment process and has since enhanced his credentials with Luton Town.
Edwards remarkably led the Hatters to Premier League promotion and was praised for his bold, attacking style.
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Despite relegation and his eventual departure in January, Edwards is viewed as a progressive coach with Championship pedigree.
Rounding out the shortlist is Rohl, the 36-year-old German who impressed with Sheffield Wednesday.
Having arrived at Hillsborough in difficult financial conditions, Rohl steered the club to mid-table safety and earned plaudits for his tactical acumen and leadership under pressure.
While Rohl and Edwards remain in the frame, the momentum appears to be with Cooper — a manager with a proven track record of transforming struggling sides and thriving in the Championship pressure cooker.
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