Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson will have to step up his search for a new manager after it emerged that former Leicester City and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill rejected the opportunity to replace England-bound Steve McClaren.

O'Neill didn't believe he could give total commitment to the club whilst caring for his ill wife and follows former England boss Terry Venables in turning down the club's overtures.

This is a big blow to Gibson who is no closer to naming a new manager than he was when McClaren announced he was leaving to manage England.

According to reports, Alan Curbishley, who left Charlton at the end of last season, is now the favourite to take over at the Riverside.