MIDDLESBROUGH are braced for an official approach from Bayern Munich for Aaron Danks - and will take an open-minded approach to replacing the first team coach if, as now looks likely, he leaves for the Bundesliga giants.

Danks worked with Vincent Kompany when the former Manchester City defender was in charge at Anderlecht and Bayern's new boss wants the Boro coach as his right-hand man in Germany.

Boro are now expecting an official approach from Bayern, who would have to pay compensation to prise Danks away.

Kieran Scott, head of football, says Bayern's interest in Danks "shows the progress" made at Boro, and while there's a desire to keep the former Aston Villa coach, there's an acceptance that an offer to join one of the biggest clubs in the world is hard to turn down.

Danks joined Boro in December, 2022, as a first team coach, the same role as Jonathan Woodgate, with the pair both playing leading roles in supporting boss Michael Carrick.

Grant Leadbitter has since also stepped up to join the first team coaching staff.

If Danks leaves, a new arrival would likely join the coaching team this summer, but it won't necessarily be a like-for-like swap.

"I think he will need replacing but we'll assess that situation," said Scott.

"In the Premier League, the budget is endless and you have coaches for coaches. In the Championship, it's normally a first-team head coach and his assistant and then someone helping them.

"We haven't had that. We've had two assistants and Michael. Then we've got Grant who is heavily involved in stuff too.

"So we're well stocked. I think Michael will look to bring someone in, but it's likely to be someone who has a different skill set to Aaron."

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Given Kompany suffered relegation to the Championship with Burnley this season, his Bayern move has come as as a surprise - as has the imminent swoop for Danks. Craig Bellamy was Kompany's assistant with the Clarets but the ex-striker hasn't joined Bayern's new boss in Germany.

Scott now says Bayern have to "do things right" in their approach for Danks.

"Football is moving and evolving all the time," he said.

"Vincent has got himself a really good job at Bayern and he has a previous relationship with Aaron when they worked together at Anderlecht. I know they are personal friends and contacts within the game as well.

"As far as I can see, I think there will be an approach from Bayern for Aaron. That will then be down to him to make the decision for what he wants to do.

"We're not queueing up to lose Aaron, obviously. We rate him highly and we like him at the club. But Bayern is one of the biggest football clubs in the world. I'm sure if they come in with concrete interest, Aaron will have a really difficult decision to make.

"From our perspective though, he's not someone we're queueing up to let go. It's an if [he goes] for now, until anything official is sent and agreed.

"At the moment I can say that's not the case, but at the same time, there is clearly an interest. Bayern have to do things right now and if they want to take Aaron it shows the progress we're making as a football club.

"We've got players going into big clubs in Europe and the Premier League and now we've got staff head-hunted for massive clubs like Bayern Munich. It's a case of watch this space on that one."