Former Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is being linked with the job at Middlesbrough.

Pardew, sacked by Crystal Palace in December, was at Chelsea to see Boro defeated 2-0 and their relegation confirmed.

He has been linked with the north-east strugglers, who themselves waved goodbye to Aitor Karanka in March and turned to coach Steve Agnew in their faint bid to stay up.

Boro hero Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also took in the game.

Hasselbaink became a Chelsea legend, firing 70 goals in 136 matches during a golden period from 200-2004.

He was recently dismissed from his post as QPR boss, having managed very successfully at Burton Albion.