Middlesbrough FC next manager: Kim Hellberg deal 'verbally agreed' despite Swansea City talks
Middlesbrough are reportedly set to beat Swansea City to the appointment of Hammarby IF boss Kim Hellberg.
The 37-year-old ‘s exploits in his native Sweden have sent his stock soaring and recent reports have credited Swansea with interest in his services.
The Wales-based club recently axed Alan Sheehan as head coach and it has been claimed talks with Hellberg have taken place.
However, Middlesbrough are also on the hunt for a new head coach and appear to be in pole position to secure Hellberg.
Middlesbrough near appointment
According to Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, a verbal agreement has been reached between Middlesbrough and the highly-rated coach.
It has been suggested a buyout clause will be activated to lure him from Hammarby.
The report has indicated it is now a case of getting the finer details wrapped up before Hellberg can take on his first role in English football.
Middlesbrough sit second in the Championship table and the head coach role at the Riverside is one with a clear appeal.
Rob Edwards’ farewell
Rob Edwards, who vacated the post to join Wolverhampton Wanderers, insisted he would not have left Middlesbrough for any other club.
In his farewell statement, he said: "This has been one of the toughest decisions of my career. In truth, I wouldn't have considered leaving Middlesbrough for any other club.
"Wolves is a special club for me. It's where I grew as both a player and a coach. It's still where my family calls home.
"It has always been my dream to come back and these opportunities do not come around too often.
"Middlesbrough is an incredible club with a fantastic owner, staff and passionate supporters. I want to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity to lead this squad. It is a great group of players that I genuinely hope and believe will deliver success this season.
"I could not be prouder of the environment we built together and how it all gelled together so quickly - the players, the staff and the fans, who drive it all."
Linked names
Over the weekend, cold water was poured on links to former Middlesbrough figures Michael Carrick and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Former BSC Young Boys boss Raphael Wicky has been linked, as has Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, but Hellberg is seemingly the number one choice.