Manchester United legend Paul Ince loves the idea of returning to the Northeast to take charge of Middlesbrough.

Former Boro midfielder Ince, 43, will have final talks with chairman Steve Gibson on Tuesday and be installed as Gordon Strachan's successor before Bristol City arrive on Teesside next Saturday.

Gibson has gone for the ex-England star ahead of former Boro legend Tony Mowbray and Gary Megson because he believes Ince has the passion the struggling Riverside club need.

Significantly, Ince's return to the North East will involve no compensation with the former England midfielder out of work since leaving MK Dons in the summer.

A source close to Ince told the : "It's not well known but Paul nearly got the Newcastle manager's job when Kevin Keegan left and he has always loved the hustle and bustle of the North East.

"Certainly he is relishing the chance to go back to the club where he spent three years, especially as he knows only too well what a magnificent academy they have at Middlesbrough with a seemingly-never-ending supply of young players coming through."

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