STEVE McCLAREN will be the new England coach. That’s the latest word from the bookmakers and the expectation at the Riverside, where Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson is so certain of McClaren’s departure that he is already seeking a successor.

The name at the top of his wish list is likely to cause ruptions with the neighbours though: Martin O’Neill.

The former Celtic manager has been a long-term target of managerless Newcastle, whose expensively assembled squad have been treading water under caretaker boss Glenn Roeder since Graeme Souness’s departure in February. O’Neill had been quickly identified by Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd as the man for the job, but then the England position became available and negotiations with O’Neill stalled.

The word from Newcastle last week was that a new England coach would soon be appointed, enabling the board at St James’ Park to make their move. The FA reiterated yesterday, though, that no such announcement is imminent. “We’ve said nothing regarding all the recent speculation and that remains the same,” said a spokesman.

“We’ve already stated our position, simply that a decision will be made before the World Cup.”

With Middlesbrough potentially managerless too and chasing the same man as Newcastle, the north of England is bracing itself for a managerial merry-go-round. Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has previously been offered the job at St James’ Park — before Souness was employed — but turned it down, saying he did not feel it was the right time to move on.

Despite reports that he had been the most impressive of the England candidates who were given a second interview, it is thought that his straight-talking manner was perhaps too abrupt for some at the FA. But, having already gone through all the soul-searching about whether he could leave Bolton for the England coach’s job, moving to a bigger club in the Premiership may be an option.

After yesterday’s 2-0 loss at home to Chelsea, Allardyce would not be drawn on whether he was still a contender for the England job or indeed if all the speculation regarding his future had contributed to his club’s run of five straight defeats.

“That’s unfair, have you asked Steve McClaren the same question?” he said.

Another England candidate also linked with the Newcastle post has been Alan Curbishley. He has a year left to run on his contract at Charlton, where he took joint control with Steve Gritt in 1991, assuming full charge in 1995.

After overseeing a complete rebuilding of the club, which has included a return to The Valley and retaining Premiership status for six seasons, he too may feel that a fresh challenge awaits elsewhere.

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