MIDDLESBROUGH could be looking for a new coach this summer after Derby County enlisted Steve Round as a possible candidate to become their new boss, writes Paul Fraser.

After top target Billy Davies turned down the chance to take over at Pride Park by pledging his future to Preston North End on Thursday, Round is one of the names being mentioned as George Burley's successor.

Davies has penned a new improved open-ended rolling contract at Deepdale and rejected the opportunity to try to take the Rams back to the Premiership.

The 41-year-old's decision has left Derby still seeking a manager and Round is among a clutch of names being touted for the role.

Round learned his trade on the coaching side at Derby and progressed through the ranks before becoming Jim Smith's first team coach after retiring prematurely as a player through injury.

His good work under Smith did not go unnoticed by Steve McClaren who took his former Derby colleague to Boro in the summer of 2001 after taking over at the Riverside Stadium.

Round began life on Teesside as reserve team coach but was promoted to attacking coach in 2003 after steering the club's second-string to the FA Premier Reserve League North title.

His good work at Boro has caught the attention of his former club. Derby chief executive Jeremy Keith wants the new man in place before the start of pre-season training on June 30 and Yeovil's Gary Johnson and Bolton's assistant manager Phil Brown have also been considered.

Outrageously, legendary Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga - after managing in Romania - has also been suggested but Keith insists he is targeting men with experience in the English league.

Boro midfielder Gaizka Mendieta expects to be back to full fitness in time to return to full pre-season training on July 4.

Mendieta suffered a serious knee injury in October and has not played since, but the 31-year-old is close to making a full recovery.

''Hopefully, if everything goes okay during the summer, I will try to be ready in time for pre-season training," said Mendieta, who still harbours hopes of winning his place in the Spanish squad ahead of next year's World Cup.

''I've trained for a few days here with the team and felt quite good. Obviously it's not 100 per cent but I've got a few weeks to go so I'm really, really hopeful that I'll be ready for the new season.

''I can run and jump but I still haven't got my full strength back. I've recovered most of the muscle in the left leg, but not all of it.''

Boro, meanwhile, have lined up a potentially lucrative friendly with Spanish side Atletico Madrid on August 3 in preparation for the new campaign.

Boss McClaren believes playing host to the La Liga outfit will prove beneficial in the build-up to a second UEFA Cup campaign.

It is also likely to be the first opportunity for Boro's summer signings to make their bow in front of their own fans - with a few more expected to follow Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

McClaren said: "Atletico are a strong side who will give us an excellent work-out in the build-up to the Premier League kick-off. It will also serve as a good reminder of the sort of side we can expect to face in the UEFA Cup."

Boro have lined up away friendlies at Hearts, Hartlepool, Darlington and Carlisle.

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