Former Aston Villa boss O’Neill favourite to take over at Boro’s FA Cup opponents

BORO’s next FA Cup opponents Newcastle United have sacked manager Chris Hughton.

Hughton got the Magpies promoted last season from the Championship and has guided them to 11th in the Premier League this season, but has been sacked from his role after a run of poor results.

Boro host Newcastle on January 8 in the FA Cup Third Round, by which time the north-east club should have a new manager in place with former Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill and Southampton ex-manager Alan Pardew both reported to be in the running.