Middlesbrough are reportedly planning to offer manager Aitor Karanka a new contract, regardless of whether he guides the team to Premier League promotion or not.

The former Real Madrid assistant boss has led the side from the lower echelons of the Championship to third in the table within 18 months.

According to Goal.com, Karanka's agent Jorge Mendes has held talks with Boro chairman Steve Gibson regarding fresh terms, and it is understood that a number of Premier League clubs are keeping track of the situation.

The report also claims that Middlesbrough are unlikely to finalise a deal with Karanka until the end of the season as they want the Spaniard to focus on their Championship campaign, which currently has them just one point behind leaders Bournemouth.

Boro's next game is against Wigan Athletic at the Riverside on Good Friday.