Nigel Pearson expected to land Middlesbrough job ahead of ex-Leeds manager Garry Monk
NIGEL PEARSON looks to have edged ahead of Gary Monk in the race for the Middlesbrough hotseat.
Both men have been heavily linked to the job and will be interviewed by Boro owner Steve Gibson.
Former Leicester City and Derby boss Pearson is currently on holiday.
He is expected to return to the UK next week, but is said to believe he is well-placed in the reckoning and would jump at the opportunity to move back to the north-east.
Steve Agnew, who managed just one win in 11 matches following Aitor Karanka's exit in March, has already started some preparations for life in the Championship next season.
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Gibson is likely to listen to Agnew , as well as Pearson and Monk, before making a decision that would enable Boro to "smash the league" next season and return to football's top flight as champions.
But despite events over the last 24 hours, which saw Monk resign at Leeds United, Gibson remains in no rush as he seeks to make the right appointment.
Monk is also thought to interest Premier Leaguers Crystal Palace and Watford, and relegated Hull City, while Karanka - who led Boro to promotion in 2015/16 - will be an attractive proposition for Leeds.