Middlesbrough in talks with Tony Pulis over managerial vacancy, say Sky sources

Former West Brom boss Tony Pulis is in talks with Middlesbrough about becoming their new manager

Middlesbrough are in talks with Tony Pulis about becoming their new manager, according to Sky sources.

Middlesbrough sacked Garry Monk on Saturday following the club's 2-1 win away to Sheffield Wednesday and are now holding talks with former West Brom boss Pulis.

The 59-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by the Baggies in November and is now the front-runner to take over from Monk, who left with Middlesbrough ninth in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Boro owner Steve Gibson is believed to want to make an appointment as soon as possible in the midst of the club's hectic festive fixtures.

Garry Monk was dismissed as Middlesbrough boss after the 2-1 over Sheffield Wednesday

Sky sources understand Monk was sacked by Gibson because of concerns about the club's style of play.

Monk had just returned home from the win at Hillsborough when he received a call from Gibson to tell him he had lost his job.

Sky Sports News understands he held a meeting with the club hierarchy in midweek to discuss January transfer targets and was therefore shocked to receive the call from Gibson.

But Sky Sports News also understands Gibson was not confident Monk would lead the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, leading him to terminate the 38-year-old's contract.

Middlesbrough's academy director Craig Liddle is in temporary charge of the club's first team affairs. Boro host Bolton on Boxing Day.