Championship round-up: Bristol City rivals bring in boss, QPR man eyed & Blackburn Rovers tie up deal

Bristol City were beaten 2-0 away at Reading over the weekend. They will be hoping that they can bounce back from that result this Saturday at home at Swansea City.

Nigel Pearson’s side are currently sat in 13th place and are five points off the play-offs. Here is a look at some of the latest news from around the Championship...

Middlesbrough turn to Carrick

Bristol City’s league rivals Middlesbrough have appointed Michael Carrick as their new manager. They have turned to the former Manchester United man as their replacement for Chris Wilder with Jonathan Woodgate returning to the club as his number two.

Carrick has told their official website: “I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a club with such a deep history and tradition. Middlesbrough was the first professional club I played for as a nine-year old boy, so it’s a very special feeling to be back here as a head coach.

“Growing up in the north-east myself I’m fully aware of what football means to people. It’s a real privilege for me to be in this position and to feel all the passion and enthusiasm you’ve got for the game and for Boro.”

QPR man eyed by Aston Villa

Aston Villa are said to be interested in QPR playmaker Ilias Chair. The 24-year-old has been a key player for the Hoops over recent years and they could face a battle to keep hold of him in the near future.

Football Insider report that Villa are ‘plotting’ a swoop for the Morocco international. They are currently without a manager after sacking Steven Gerrard last week.

Blackburn Rovers forward handed new deal

Blackburn Rovers have tied up a new deal for attacker Jack Vale. The 21-year-old has committed his future at Ewood Park until June 2025, with the options for a further 12 months on top of that.

He joined the club from Welsh side The New Saints back in 2014 and hasn’t looked back since. He had loan spell aways at Barrow, Rochdale and FC Halifax Town over recent years to gain experience.