Former Portsmouth favourite ‘holds talks’ with Championship rivals as significant Southampton update emerges
Gary O’Neil came through the ranks at Fratton Park before amassing 192 first-team appearances for Pompey.
Gary O’Neil has emerged as a strong contender to replace Rob Edwards at Middlesbrough.
The 42-year-old has been at the heart of strong managerial links across the Premier League and Championship over the past week, with Wolves and Southampton both tipped.
Boro appear to be the latest club looking to acquire the former Pompey favourite’s services as he eyes a long-awaited return to the dugout.
Gary O’Neil holds ‘talks’ with Middlesbrough
Football Insider have claimed Middlesbrough are exploring a move for O’Neil, who is said to be a top target at the Riverside Stadium.
The report states the ex-Bournemouth boss has already held ‘preliminary talks’ with the Championship promotion hopefuls over a possible homecoming.
Boro are on the search for a new head coach after reluctantly giving Wolves the green light to approach Edwards to replace Vitor Pereira at Molineux.
The switch comes just six months after the 42-year-old made the move to the north east, where he penned a three-year deal.
Boro currently occupy the final automatic promotion spot after an outstanding start to the season has seen them pick up 29 points from the opening 15 matches.
With his departure imminent, Middlesbrough have already formed a contingency plan, with O’Neil joined by Millwall boss Alex Neil on the shortlist.
It’s a club the former midfielder knows well, having spent three-and-a-half years at the Riverside. The Fratton Park academy graduate made the move to the north east in 2007, departing PO4 in a £5m move.
During his time with Boro, O’Neil amassed 120 appearances before joining West Ham in January 2011.
Southampton stance over Gary O’Neil revealed
After turning down the opportunity for a sensational return to Wolves last week, O’Neil was heavily linked with the vacancy at Southampton following the sacking of Will Still.
Although Russell Martin and Ralph Hassenhuttl were among the early bookies’ favourites, the ex-Pompey man raced to pole position in the running ahead of Saturday’s contest against Sheffield Wednesday.
Reports on Friday suggested the former Fratton favourite had ‘held talks’ with the Saints over a move, despite his strong Blues allegiances.
The Daily Echo’s Alfie House has since put any rumours to bed over a shock Southampton swoop for O’Neil as they explore other managerial options.
Southampton supporters voiced their opposition to a potential move for the former Pompey ace during their triumph over the Owls over the weekend.
The midfielder, who came through the ranks at Fratton Park, amassed 192 appearances for Pompey, which included a Division One title in 2003. The ex-West Ham and Norwich City man has also expressed a strong interest in one-day returning to PO4 in a managerial position.