Maccabi Tel Aviv have pulled off a coup by tempting former England manager Steve McClaren to join as a coaching consultant.

Maccabi manager Jordi Cruyff is a big fan of McClaren — who has been out of work since leaving Championship clubDerby County in March — the two having worked together when Cruyff was playing at Manchester United.

McClaren was then an assistant at Old Trafford, but has gone on to forge a long managerial career after being handed his big break by 
Middlesbrough in 2001. His cv also includes an ill-fated stint with the England national team — his first match in charge was 11 years ago this week. He has also had long spells with Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Derby twice.

It is believed the 56-year-old was favourite to become the new boss at Scottish side Hearts before pulling out of the running to link up with Maccabi.

Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv have handed a trial to Derby winger Nick Blackman, whose mother is Jewish.

Derby paid Reading £3million for the 27-year-old in January 2016, but he has been plagued by injury and has made only 29 appearances for Derby most of them in 2015-2016.

If he were to sign for Maccabi, he would be need to take up Israeli citizenship as Ligat Ha’Al teams are only allowed a quota of five foreign players.