AITOR KARANKA is in talks to become the next manager of Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace despite also having been linked with the vacant managerial position at Middlesbrough.

Karanka, who was previously Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid, is keen to move to England, with his representative, Jorge Mendes, having been charged with the task of securing him an opening.

Mendes is an associate of Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson, and the pair have worked closely together in the summer in order to strengthen Boro’s links in Spain and Portugal.

Middlesbrough’s under-21 and under-18 squads flew to Spain yesterday ahead of friendly fixtures against Atletico Madrid, with the tie up already having seen Luke Williams, Bryn Morris and Bradley Fewster travel to the Spanish capital on secondment.

Karanka is understood to have been involved in Boro’s attempts to gain a foothold in the Iberian market, with the coach’s extensive contacts making him an appealing candidate for a future recruitment role on the continent.

At this stage, there have been no discussions between the Spaniard and the Middlesbrough hierarchy relating to a possible managerial role, although Gibson refused to rule out the possibility of an overseas appointment when he dismissed Tony Mowbray last month.

In the meantime, Mark Venus has performed a caretaker role and confirmed his desire to secure a permanent position, with Gibson expected to make a firm decision before the end of the international break.

Karanka travelled to England yesterday with his representatives, but his destination was London as he met Crystal Palace officials to discuss the vacancy at Selhurst Park.

His agents, Gestifute, which are run by Mendes, said: “Aitor Karanka is in contact with a foreign club, and he is currently meeting them.”

Palace have been without a permanent manager since Ian Holloway was dismissed last month, with Keith Millen taking over the reins on a temporary basis.

* Middlesbrough youngster Lewis Sirrell has extended his loan at Skrill Premier side Gateshead by another month, enabling him to play in the Tyneside club’s FA Cup first-round replay with Oxford United.