Middlesbrough have been refused permission to appoint Gareth Southgate as their new boss, according to the League Managers' Association.

Boro chairman Steve Gibson wants club captain Southgate (35) to replace Steve McClaren who will take over from Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager after the World Cup.

But the former England international is thought to be at least two years away from obtaining the Pro Licence stipulated by the Premier League.

And LMA chief executive John Barnwell dismissed Gibson's chances of getting what he wants. He said: "They can't do it, it's as simple as that.

"My understanding is that Middlesbrough have had lengthy discussions with the Premier League over the weekend and they have been flatly refused.

"Gareth Southgate may be working towards becoming a coach but at this stage he hasn't got the necessary qualifications to do the job."

Barnwell admits Boro could use a loophole by appointing assistant manager Steve Round - who does have a Pro Licence - to work with Southgate but he would not approve of such a move.

"If they wanted to appoint a senior figure who did have the qualifications and who would come in and show Gareth the ropes, then that would be a different matter," Barnwell added.

"But Steve Round and Steve Harrison are not members of the LMA so they would not get our backing, even though they do have the right badges."

Gibson, though, is determined the rules will not stop him from appointing Southgate and could cite the exception made for Glenn Roeder when he was given the Newcastle job.  PA