Aston Villa assistant manager John Terry is in talks with Middlesbrough.

The ex-Chelsea and England captain is said to have spoken to Boro's chairman Steve Gibson this week, says The Sun.

Local lad and ex-Boro hero Jonathan Woodgate was favourite with the bookies but has been usurped by former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic in the last few days.

Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta was also reportedly interested in the role but he is not believed to be a viable candidate.

Despite the wealth of talent on offer to Gibson, he is said to be pondering his decision carefully as he looks to fire the club back to the Premier League next season.