Gabriel Batistuta ‘interested in Middlesbrough job’ but Jonathan Woodgate remains bookies’ favourite
Fiorentina and Argentina legend is 'keen on a move to England' after the sacking of Tony Pulis
GABRIEL BATISTUTA is a shock candidate for the Middlesbrough job, according to reports.
The Argentina and Fiorentina legend, 50, has no managerial experience but is looking at the Teeside club and a number of other EFL clubs.
According to the Hartlepool Mail, a source close to the retired striker - who was nicknamed Batigol during a prolific career - says he has 'expressed an interest' in the role.
Batistuta is not just interested in Middlesbrough but also other jobs in the Championship and Football League.
The anonymous source told the paper: "[Batistuta] has discussed the potential of a move to England as his first managerial appointment and he is very keen to work with the right club next season."
Batistuta enjoyed a sensational career that saw him become one of the most feared strikers in Europe in the 1990s, dominating Italian defences when Serie A was undoubtedly the best league in the world.
He scored 207 goals in 333 games for Fiorentina, where he won the Coppa Italia in 1996, and 33 in 83 with Roma, winning Serie A in 2001.
Batigol also helped Argentina win the Copa America in 1991 and 1993 and was named in the Fifa World XI in 1997 and 1998.
He was Argentina's top scorer, with 54 goals from 77 caps, until he was overtaken by Lionel Messi.
Despite his record as a player, Batistuta has not been able to find work as a manager, despite completing all his coaching badges - although he had a brief spell as technical director of Argentine club Colon in 2013.
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He is still a rank outsider with bookies, with many not even giving odds on him.
Former Middlesbrough captain Jonathan Woodgate remains the favourite, ahead of Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley and recently sacked Chris Hughton.
Boro are looking for a new boss after Tony Pulis failed to reach the play-offs.
