Jonathan Woodgate set to become Middlesbrough boss this week
JONATHAN WOODGATE is set to be appointed as the new Middlesbrough manager this week.
And SunSport understands his former Leeds and Tottenham team-mate Robbie Keane could join him at the Riverside.
Woodgate, 39, has been the front-runner to replace Tony Pulis as Boro boss since the Welshman’s departure last month.
He worked as first-team coach under Pulis but is now poised to take on his first managerial role after a series of talks with Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson.
Woodgate will also form a new-look backroom team and is considering asking his pal Keane to join him.
The ex-striker, 28, is currently one of Mick McCarthy’s assistants at Ireland but would welcome the chance of a high-profile coaching job in England – or a dual role.
Former Boro goalkeeper coach Leo Percovich, who has been working for Fluminense in Brazil, has also arrived in Teesside for talks about an emotional return to the club.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
While Steve Round, who assisted Steve McClaren when he managed Middlesbrough, is another in the frame for a Riverside role.
Woodgate is a boyhood Boro fan and had two stints as a player at the club before becoming a coach in their academy – then being promoted under Pulis.
He has a close relationship with chairman Gibson, who has a history of blooding new managers having given McClaren, Gareth Southgate and Aitor Karanka their first jobs.
