Middlesbrough managerial candidate Michael Carrick is in the process of finalising his backroom staff before being appointed at the Riverside Stadium, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Carrick agrees terms

Chairman Steve Gibson has been on the hunt to find Chris Wilder’s successor following his sacking earlier in the month, and the 41-year-old emerged as a surprise contender.

Manchester United’s former caretaker boss has already agreed to join the northeast outfit, but the deal is yet to be officially completed, with Leo Percovich set to remain in charge for this weekend’s Championship visit of Huddersfield Town.

The Latest: Boro ‘close’ to appointment

According to Teesside Live, Boro are ‘close’ to appointing Carrick, with ‘issues’ regarding his backroom staff the only factor to be resolved before he can be announced.

The report states that his appointment is likely to be confirmed ‘in the coming days’, and if indeed that is the case, his first match in charge will be against Preston North End next Saturday.

The Verdict: Exciting prospect

Carrick has never held a permanent senior managerial position before so this is a risk by the board, but it’s clear to see why they have decided to make him their next head coach.

With the Red Devils, he maintained a 100% unbeaten record, winning two and drawing one of his three interim games in the dugout, averaging 2.33 points per match (Transfermarkt).

Former Middlesbrough and now England boss Gareth Southgate recommended Carrick to Gibson, so hopefully the former Boro stalwart has some insight into the untapped potential Carrick offers.