Exclusive: Boro consider trio after ending bid to lure top 2 targets

Middlesbrough are considering three names as their new boss, but look unlikely to pursue top targets Slavisa Jokanovic and David Wagner, TEAMtalk understands.

We have been told that the duo were identified as Boro’s top targets as early as January by their departed head of recruitment Victor Orta. The Spaniard had recommended both Fulham manager Jokanovic and Wagner of Huddersfield to chairman Steve Gibson as the men best placed to replaced the then-under-fire Aitor Karanka.

Since then Jokanovic, who led Fulham to the play-offs, has signed a new deal at Craven Cottage – whilst Wagner is in the play-off final with Huddersfield.

It now remains to be seen if either will again be on Boro’s radar – but TEAMtalk can reveal that the club have been sounding out a host of candidates.

Leeds’ Garry Monk is on their shortlist – but they have also looked at Preston’s Simon Grayson. Ryan Giggs was considered but the deal was not progressed after talks.

Former Boro captain Nigel Pearson remains a candidate too, as does current interim incumbent Steve Agnew, who was given the chance to try and save the club from the relegation but was unable to do so.