Nigel Pearson on Middlesbrough's three man shortlist

Nigel Pearson features on a three man shortlist for the Middlesbrough job.

It's not yet known the identity of the other two candidates but the likes of Slavisa Jokanovic, Ryan Giggs, and Alan Pardew currently feature in the Next Middlesbrough Manager Market.

The former Boro skipper, who played for the club between 1994-1998, is one of a trio of gaffers that have reportedly caught the interest of the North East club who are searching for a permanent replacement for Aitor Karanka, who was sacked in mid-March.

Interim boss Steve Agnew oversaw Boro’s final 11 games of the season, but after winning only one match and failing to keep the club in the Premier League, he’s likely to be overlooked, although he still features predominantly in the betting at 9/1.

Frontrunner Pearson (7/2) has been out-of-work since his controversial Derby departure back in October following a spat with Rams chairman Mel Morris. But, if reports are to be believed (and there are many) the 53-year-old could be set to make his return at Riverside this summer.

However, Middlesbrough may be forced to battle it out for Pearson’s services with neighbours Sunderland who are also reportedly targeting the former Leicester boss following the resignation of David Moyes.

Pearson, who returns from holiday on Friday, also leads the Next Sunderland Manager Market at 11/2, ahead of Kevin Phillips, Derek McInnes and Stefan Schwarz, with the Black Cats also bidding to find a manager then can lead them to an instant return to the Premier League following their relegation down to the Championship.

Worst tug of war since my Year 5 sports day...#boro #safc pic.twitter.com/Sqvwb1J8wJ

— The Sack Race (@thesackrace) May 24, 2017