Nigel Pearson Favourite to Replace Steve Agnew at Middlesbrough But Garry Monk Also in Frame

?Former Derby manager Nigel Pearson looks to be leading the race to take over at Middlesbrough, but the search is expected to drag on with chairman Steve Gibson still deliberating over the decision. 

Pearson spent four years as a player at Middlesbrough and the Gazette Live report that after informal talks, he has stated his interest in becoming the club’s new manager. With his history at the club he is confident in leading their charge back into the Premier League next season. 

Further talks with Pearson are expected in the coming weeks after he returns from holiday, while Gibson will be meeting with current caretaker manager Steve Agnew to go over the shortlist of potential long-term replacements for Aitor Karanka.

Agnew himself remains in the frame to take the job full-time after receiving backing from Stewart Downing and Patrick Bamford, although his case might be weakened by only securing six points from a possible 33 after he took the reins from departed Karanka in March.

The other strong contender is former Leeds United manager Garry Monk who resigned from his role at Elland Road this week. The two northern clubs could potentially swap managers, with Karanka being touted as an option to take over from Monk at Elland Road. 

Leeds narrowly missed out on the play-offs this season falling five points short of the last place, but Monk impressed with a win record of 22 out of 46 games. Owner Andrea Radrizzani admitted that he had hoped to keep Monk at the club, but said the manager had already made the decision to move away. 

A statement from Leeds read: “Andrea made it clear that his intention was to exercise the club’s option to extended the manager’s contract for another 12 months and immediately begin negotiations for a longer term deal.

“Mr Radrizzani has met with Garry twice since taking over at Elland Road earlier this week and it became clear that Garry was considering life beyond Leeds United as at no time did Garry wish to discuss terms for a longer contract.

“Garry’s agent requested that the option was not exercised and his resignation was received this [yesterday] morning.”