MIDDLESBROUGH have firmed up their interest in Michael Carrick – but could find themselves battling with West Bromwich Albion as they look to fill their vacant managerial position.

Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Chris Wilder at the Riverside, with the Middlesbrough hierarchy understood to have held preliminary discussions with the former England international and his representatives.

However, the Teessiders are not the only club exploring the possibility of handing Carrick his first managerial position, with West Brom also searching for a new boss following the dismissal of former Newcastle United and Sunderland manager Steve Bruce earlier today.

The Baggies have begun the process of appointing Bruce’s successor, with Carrick and ex-Boro boss Chris Wilder believed to be figuring prominently in their thoughts.

Their interest in Carrick could put them into conflict with Middlesbrough, with the North-Easterner increasingly viewed as the prime candidate for the vacant head coach position on Teesside.

Carrick is keen to step into frontline management, having previously worked as an assistant at Manchester United and taken caretaker charge of the Old Trafford club following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer last November.

The 41-year-old is understood to head the shortlist of candidates still being considered by Boro chairman Steve Gibson and director of football Kieran Scott.

Rob Edwards remains an option, with the Boro hierarchy having spoken to the former Forest Green boss, who secured promotion from League Two last season before moving on to Watford, where he lasted just 11 games before he was dismissed.

Carlos Corberan was strongly linked over the weekend, with his achievements last season, when he led Huddersfield Town to the Championship play-off final, standing him in good stead despite his subsequent brief unsuccessful spell with Greek side Olympiacos.

However, at this stage, Carrick appears to be leading the race to take over on Teesside. With interim boss Leo Percovich having presided over a 2-0 defeat at Millwall at the weekend, Boro officials are keen to have a new permanent boss in place by the time Blackburn Rovers visit the Riverside on Saturday.