The 38-year-old is currently Dean Smith's No.2 and is preparing for next week's Championship play-off final

John Terry is in talks with Middlesbrough over becoming their new manager, talkSPORT understands.

Terry, the former Chelsea captain, is in the frame to succeed Tony Pulis at the Riverside following the Welshman’s departure at the end of his contract last week.

He is not among the bookies’ favourites for the post, but talkSPORT has learned Terry is already discussing the job with Boro chiefs.

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨@talkSPORT2 understands John Terry is among the top candidates to become the Middlesbrough manager. 📻 Tune in → https://t.co/RVd0SxkO0q pic.twitter.com/lAXCPNcuEJ — talkSPORT 2 (@talkSPORT2) May 22, 2019

The 38-year-old only began his coaching career earlier this season, joining Aston Villa as Dean Smith’s assistant when the latter was appointed manager.

Getty Images - Getty 1 Terry’s work at Villa Park has been praised

The pair have guided Villa to the Championship play-off semi-final, with the Wembley showpiece pitting Terry against a Derby side coached by his former Chelsea team-mates Frank Lampard and Jody Morris, and including Ashley Cole among their squad.

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Terry spent the final year of his playing career with Villa, captaining them to the play-off final where they lost to Fulham.

Prior to his switch to Villa Park, Terry spent 19 years with Chelsea and played 717 games, becoming the Blues’ most successful captain by winning 15 major trophies

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Jonathan Woodgate has been considered for the Middlesbrough job as he was the only staff member to stay at the Riverside upon Pulis’ departure, while Chris Hughton is also alleged to have entered considering following his sacking from Brighton.

Earlier this week Gabriel Batistuta, the legendary Fiorentina and Argentina striker, also became a surprise contender for the position.