Former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick is among the contenders to take over as head coach of Middlesbrough.
The 41-year-old is on the list of possible replacements for the sacked Chris Wilder and a conversation could take place early next week.
Carrick has been out of work since a three-game caretaker stint at United following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last year.
He is a native of the North-East and fits the bill for Boro owner Steve Gibson, who is said to prefer a head coach as opposed to a manager.