JORGE SIMAO will not be taking over as manager of Middlesbrough after he was appointed as head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al-Fayha.

Simao, who had previously been employed as boss of Portuguese clubs Braga and Boavista, is understood to have links to Peter Kenyon, who has previously acted as an advisor to Middlesbrough, via agent Jorge Mendes.

He was not formally interviewed for the vacant managerial position at Boro, but his candidature was discussed as part of the Teessiders’ search for a successor to Tony Pulis.

However, his appointment as the new head coach of Al-Fayha was confirmed yesterday, with the Saudi Arabian club posting pictures of Simao with senior club officials on their official website.

Middlesbrough are expected to complete their managerial search this week, with former skipper Jonathan Woodgate a firm favourite to get the job.

Woodgate has been formally interviewed for the role, and is understood to be Boro’s preferred option provided contractual terms can be agreed.

Former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has also been interviewed, while there was support in the betting market for Nigel Adkins yesterday following his departure from Hull City.