MIDDLESBROUGH will not make a formal approach to try and poach Gary O'Neil from Cherries, according to a report by the Northern Echo.

Championship Boro, like Cherries, are on the lookout for a new boss, having sacked Chris Wilder earlier this week.

A report in the Northern Echo listed former Boro midfielder O'Neil among the candidates for the role, with recently departed Watford boss Rob Edwards the favourite.

And the same publication now report that while 39-year-old O'Neil fits the bill in terms of the profile of head coach Boro are seeking, the Teesside club will not be turning their interest in Cherries' interim boss into a formal approach.

The report claims Cherries are "extremely keen" to retain O'Neil's services. He is unbeaten in his four matches in interim charge, since replacing Scott Parker in August.

O'Neil is still operating on a game-by-game basis at Cherries, with his long-term role or future uncertain amid the ongoing takeover bid led by American billionaire Bill Foley.

As it stands, O'Neil is set to take charge of Saturday's Premier League match against Leicester City at Vitality Stadium (3pm).

He is currently priced as 4/5 favourite with bookmakers Sky Bet to stay in the role on a permanent basis, with Wilder an 8/5 second favourite.