Middlesbrough are lining up Neil Warnock as a surprise contender to replace Jonathan Woodgate at the Riverside in the near future according to The Sun. 

Warnock has been out of work since he left his role as Cardiff's manager earlier this season, and the 71-year-old has previously announced that he is set to retire at the end of this year's campaign.

The Middlesbrough job could be a tempting proposition for Warnock as well, with Boro struggling to find any sort of consistency in their results this term.

They're currently sat 20th in the Championship table, and are just one point clear of the relegation zone heading into the festive period, which could decide which direction their seasons heads in.

Woodgate hasn't filled many supporters with much confidence since his appointment during the summer, and The Sun are now claiming that the former Real Madrid defender is facing the sack after a poor start to this season.

It's his first job in football management, but he'll be well aware that it's a results business, and his time could be up if they continue to struggle in the second tier.

Middlesbrough are next in action this weekend when they take on Charlton Athletic, where a poor result could make Boro's decision to part ways with Woodgate a lot easier.

The Verdict: 

I'm stunned by this. But thinking about it, it does make sense.

Middlesbrough are really struggling this season, and they need a manager that is going to fire u and get the best out of a group of players that are underperforming at this moment in time.

Warnock fits that description perfectly and I think Boro would be making the right call if they were to appoint him as Woodgate's potential replacement.