Championship news: Middlesbrough's 'preferred candidate' revealed plus message to Sunderland fringe players

Here are today’s Sunderland AFC and Championship headlines.

What’s the latest at Middlesbrough?

Middlesbrough are to hold talks with former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick over their managerial vacancy.

The PA news agency understands Boro are due to open formal discussions with the 41-year-old as they step up the search for a replacement for Chris Wilder, who left the club last week following 11 months at the helm.

Carrick, after initial contact, has been elevated to the top of the club’s wish-list in recent days as chairman Steve Gibson and head of football Kieran Scott have considered their options, although he has also been linked with West Brom in the wake of Steve Bruce’s departure on Monday.

Former Forest Green boss Rob Edwards, who is available after his 11-game reign at Watford was brought to a close, has already been interviewed and also enjoys support within the Riverside Stadium hierarchy, but Carrick appears to be the preferred candidate.

Strong message to Sunderland fringe players

Under-21s boss Graeme Murty says Sunderland got what they were looking for after a competitive fixture with Leeds at the Stadium of Light.

Nine senior players started for the young Black Cats during the 1-0 defeat, including new signings Edouard Michut, Abdoullah Ba, Jewison Bennette and Manchester United loanee Amad.

Bailey Wright captained the side, while Dennis Cirkin, who has recently returned from a hamstring injury, Trai Hume, Jay Matete and Leon Dajaku also started for the hosts.

Sunderland’s under-21s side will now prepare for Friday’s Premier League Cup match against Reading, with several changes expected.

“I’ve just said to them if the manager is going to drop senior players in again your job is to impress him that much on Friday that he thinks of your name when he looks at his team sheet,” Murty added.

“That way if he comes to drop senior players in it’s not in your position. That’s the challenge that they have and a challenge that should always be at a big club.”