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Gareth Southgate is expected to move a significant step closer to becoming Middlesbrough’s permanent manager at a meeting of the Premier League chairmen.

A new rule will be put through by the Premier League shareholders that allows special dispensation for ex-footballers of high merit who have not completed their pro-license to manage Premiership sides.

Southgate does not yet fall into that category and will not start his A license until January because of the demands of managing Middlesbrough. The pro license follows and he is expected to start that at the end of the current season.

The Premier League board will convene on November 20th – the day after Southgate’s three month dispensation period ends.

The three man panel of Mike Foster, Richard Scudamore and Dave Richards are believed to be sympathetic to Middlesbrough’s argument and could ratify his appointment then.

Southgate signed a five-year contract at Middlesbrough when Steve McClaren left to take over England and chairman Steve Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb have been arguing for a change to the stipulation that all Premier League managers must have the UEFA Pro License ever since.

The first rule change that will be implemented will open the doors for the likes of Alan Shearer to move more seamlessly into management and will formally recognise Glenn Roeder’s position at Newcastle. Roeder is currently doing his pro license.

But Middlesbrough have argued for their own unique situation to be acknowledged, citing Southgate’s international career as the reason for his lack of qualifications.

Southgate’s 10-year career with England has prevented him from picking up the qualifications required to manage at Premier League level.

Middlesbrough have also argued that they are showing faith in young English talent in Southgate, have not moved for the manager of a Premier League rival and nor have they turned to a foreign coach.

They also provided the current England manager and those arguments are set to persuade the Premier League board to back the appointment in 11 days time.

Gibson still remains convinced Southgate will become a successful manager, despite a difficult start to the season.

However the rules will have to be tightened in coming seasons.

By 2009, UEFA will have implemented a definitive rule that means any manager of European clubs under their jurisdiction must have the pro-license.

Abel Xavier meanwhile was yesterday handed a contract at the Riverside Stadium until the end of the season.

Xavier has completed his one-year ban for failing a drugs test after a UEFA Cup tie at Xanthi.