Sunderland linked with shock move for former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka
Reports in Spain claim axed Boro chief could return to north east at the Black Cats
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FORMER Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has been linked with a shock return to the north east at his former side’s local rivals Sunderland.
The 43-year-old’s three-and-a-half-year reign at the Riverside came to an end in March after a miserable run of results and fall-outs with a number of players.
But according to Spanish newspaper , he could soon be back in the dug-out not far from his old Teesside stomping ground.
Former Real Madrid man Karanka is said to be keeping a close eye on developments at Sunderland with David Moyes’ future looking increasingly uncertain following the club’s relegation from the Championship.
Ex-Everton and Manchester United chief Moyes confirmed that he plans to sit down and discuss his future with Sunderland’s chief executive over the upcoming days.
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And it is claimed that should he decide to move on then Karanka will be one of the leading names to replace him on Wearside due to his record of leading Boro to promotion a year ago.
Despite the report from his homeland, a move to the Stadium of Light would come as a big surprise, although he could return to another former club.
Karanka was also linked with becoming Athletic Bilbao’s new head coach as their current boss Ernesto Valverde is a leading contender to take over form Luis Enrique at Barcelona this summer.
He made over 60 appearances for the La Liga side during his playing career and hails from the region.
Bilbao president Josu Urrutia has called a press conference for this Thursday where he is expected to outline the future of the 53-year-old Valverde.