Leo Percovic expected to keep charge of Middlesbrough against Blackburn Rovers despite further Michael Carrick talks

Carrick's chances only seemed to increase when it was reported former Huddersfield Town coach Carlos Corberan was on West Bromwich Albion's three-man shortlist but the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder was not.

But Boro are said not to even be at the stage of shortlisting candidates, and it has been suggested by some Carrick is not entirely sold on full-time management.

The 41-year-old, who was spotted in the Goodison Park away end with his son on Sunday, has never been a full-time manager. His time at Old Trafford ended with three matches as caretaker – two won, one drawn – in November/December and he has been out of the game since.

With Boro looking to vet support staff too – Rene Meulensteen and Mike Phelan are said to be Carrick’s choices – they are apparently bracing themselves for a long process with Percovich set to take the team for a third time even if an appointment comes first.

When West Brom sacked former Huddersfield, Hull City, Sheffield United and Wednesday manager Steve Bruce on Monday it was thought they might also be interested in Carrick but according to reports in the Midlands, their choice will boil down to Corberan, Millwall's Gary Rowett and Chris Wilder, whose dismissal created the Riverside vacancy.

Boro and the Baggies are on the lookout for managers of a similar profile whereas Hull seem to be working in a slightly different market, having tried to persuade Corberan's predecessor at Olympiacos, Pedro Martins – but not the Spaniard – to take over without success.