Middlesbrough are closing in on Swedish coach Kim Hellberg as they look to strengthen their managerial ranks ahead of the new season.
Hellberg, 37, had been touted as Swansea City's top target after the departure of Alan Sheehan. The Welsh club were keen to land the highly-regarded young coach, who has a proven track record in developing young players and leading teams with an exciting attacking style.
However, Hellberg is now reportedly on Middlesbrough's radar, with the Championship club making him their number one target after losing Rob Edwards to Wolves last week. The Boro board are said to be impressed by Hellberg's abilities, having watched him impress other clubs in England and Sweden.
Hellberg has been granted permission by Hammarby to travel to the UK for talks with clubs, but the Swedish side also offered him a new deal in an attempt to keep him at the helm. He currently has one year left on his contract with Hammarby, who had planned to offer him an extension after he took the club to second place in the Swedish top flight.
Hellberg is known for his ability to bring through young players and develop them into top performers. At Hammarby, he's been instrumental in creating a team that has scored over 60 goals in the past season and boasts one of the highest expected goal totals (xGF) in their division.
The Middlesbrough board will be keen to discuss Hellberg's availability with Swansea City, who are also reportedly looking at other Championship clubs for a new head coach.
Hellberg, 37, had been touted as Swansea City's top target after the departure of Alan Sheehan. The Welsh club were keen to land the highly-regarded young coach, who has a proven track record in developing young players and leading teams with an exciting attacking style.
However, Hellberg is now reportedly on Middlesbrough's radar, with the Championship club making him their number one target after losing Rob Edwards to Wolves last week. The Boro board are said to be impressed by Hellberg's abilities, having watched him impress other clubs in England and Sweden.
Hellberg has been granted permission by Hammarby to travel to the UK for talks with clubs, but the Swedish side also offered him a new deal in an attempt to keep him at the helm. He currently has one year left on his contract with Hammarby, who had planned to offer him an extension after he took the club to second place in the Swedish top flight.
Hellberg is known for his ability to bring through young players and develop them into top performers. At Hammarby, he's been instrumental in creating a team that has scored over 60 goals in the past season and boasts one of the highest expected goal totals (xGF) in their division.
The Middlesbrough board will be keen to discuss Hellberg's availability with Swansea City, who are also reportedly looking at other Championship clubs for a new head coach.