Jonathan Woodgate set to take over as Middlesbrough boss

Jonathan Woodgate is set to return to Middlesbrough

Jonathan Woodgate is set to be confirmed as the new Middlesbrough manager on Thursday morning, Sky Sports News understands.

The 39-year-old is understood to have been back into Rockcliffe for talks on Tuesday following an initial interview three weeks ago, and is close to being appointed.

A Boro legend as a player, Woodgate had been one of Tony Pulis's assistants until the Welshman left the job at the end of the season after they missed out on the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

Woodgate had retired from his playing days at Boro - his boyhood club - in 2016 and was immediately given a job among the academy coaching staff.

Sky Sports News understands Liam Rosenior has been offered a coaching role, while Robbie Keane has also been approached about becoming a coach under Woodgate.

Former Boro manager Tony Pulis in discussion with coach Woodgate

Boro owner and chairman Steve Gibson has a track record of giving the club's top former players a chance at management, having introduced both Bryan Robson and Gareth Southgate to the role.

Ex-England centre-back Woodgate, who went on to play for Real Madrid and Tottenham in a successful but injury-plagued career, looks to be the next man given his first foray into management.

Woodgate came through the ranks on Teesside before switching to Leeds in 1996 and breaking into senior football at Elland Road, and he also had spells at Newcastle and Stoke before retiring at 36 at the end of the 2015/16 season.

Meanwhile, Leo Percovich is close to arriving for a second stint as Boro's goalkeeping coach. Percovich was at the club under Aitor Karanka, who has also been linked with a return, but is understood not to have held talks with Gibson about doing so.