Premier League hopefuls Middlesbrough could appoint former defender Nigel Pearson as their next manager should current boss Aitor Karanka opt to leave the club in the summer according to reports in the Daily Mail.
Spaniard Karanka was close to leaving the club early last month after a high profile fall out following Boro’s 1-0 defeat at Rotherham United but the Teessiders persuaded their manager to stay and the club have won six and drew two of their Championship fixtures played since Karanka’s return to the dugout.
It has been reported that Karanka could leave the club in the summer even if Boro are promoted with the 42 year old said to have a volatile relationship with some of the players at the club. The Spaniard could be set for a return to his homeland next season should manageress Valencia come calling for his services after recently sacking Gary Neville.
Should Boro need to appoint a new manager, it is understood that chairman Steve Gibson will look to experienced former player Nigel Pearson to lead the club going forward. The 52 year old is currently out of work after being sacked by Leicester City last summer following his son James’ poor behaviour on a club trip to Thailand which made bad headlines for The Foxes. Boro have allegedly asked Pearson to put his immediate plans on hold while the club wait to see whether Karanka stays on as manager next season.
Pearson is a Middlesbrough legend having captained the club to two promotions and three cup finals during his playing career on Teesside. The former defender made 115 appearances for the club scoring five goals and would be a popular appointment amongst Boro supporters should their current boss Karanka choose to leave the club.
