Four realistic free agents who could strengthen Middlesbrough's squad this summer

Middlesbrough are looking to strengthen their squad this summer and have the targets in mind for the positions they want to strengthen.

Having already added Luke Ayling on a free, they are next looking for a midfielder, attacking midfielder and striker. The priority for them is quality this summer, but as Ayling proves, that doesn't mean you can't find that among the free agent market.

Clubs across England and Scotland have been announce their retained lists over recent weeks, offering a flavour of what could be available early in the summer transfer window. Though Boro's targets are locked in, you can never be 100% certain a deal can be done. We therefore pick out four free agents who would be realistic for Boro this summer and could add something to the squad in order to strengthen it.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough's summer transfer strategy laid out by Kieran Scott with emphasis on one thing

Alan Browne

Preston North End have offered the club captain what was described as a lucrative new deal this summer as his deal expires. Despite that, he is yet to sign it and the suggestion is that he will move on. The 29-year-old has considerable Championship experience and will likely prove a solid acquisition for any fellow second-tier club this summer.

With balance issues at times last season, many would like to see Boro sign a more defensive-minded midfielder and Browne would certainly suit that, as a full-throttle, ultra-committed midfield warrior type. However, Teesside Live understands Carrick's preference remains ball-playing central midfielders.

Boro are believed to be down the line with negotiations over a deal to sign a midfielder that isn't Browne - though the identity of said player is unknown. Despite that, any deal is liable to falling through until absolutely done and if Browne remains available, he's an option Boro could keep in mind.

Connor Barron

The 21-year-old Aberdeen midfielder looks likely to leave this summer despite their offer of a new deal. As such, they will be due some compensation from whoever does end up capturing the Scottish top prospect.

Barron has caught the eye since breaking into the team at Pittodrie and as well as a reported contract offer from Scottish giants Rangers, there is said to be interest from Serie A clubs Cagliari and Sassuolo, a number of Championship sides, and also Bournemouth and Celtic.

Matching the description of the kind of midfielder Boro are said to ideally want this summer, Barron is an interesting option. Interest being so high would mean it won't be an easy deal to do, but Boro have proven themselves capable of pulling of big transfer deals in recent years, including pipping the Old Firm to players.

Chris Willock

QPR forward Chris Willock was linked to Boro 12 months ago, though at time it was made clear to Teesside Live that he wasn't a target. That's not to say he can't be this summer, however, now that he's available on a free.

The Arsenal academy graduate scored four goals and registered four assists for QPR last season and matches the kind of player Boro want to add to their attack in terms of the versatility to play either number ten or floating inside off the left.

Over the course of the last four Championship campaigns, the 26-year-old has 20 goals and and 22 assists, proving his ability. While he wasn't on their list last summer, it could be a case that they were just aware that he was available on a free this summer and were therefore unwilling to match QPR's asking price.

Tyrese Campbell

Boro also want a striker this summer and plan to monitor the market to judge what their best option will be, rather than being rushed into a decision. One interesting option a free - which could be appealing given the always hiked-up prices for strikers, is former Stoke man Tyrese Campbell.

Still only 24, Campbell has shown considerable quality and potential since breaking through at the bet365 Stadium, though it should be noted that injuries have blighted him so far. After scoring nine in 33 games in his breakthrough year, he's managed only 26 goals in the next four seasons in all competitions.

While he's struggled to stay fit for a full season, he does have 20 assists over the last four years too and is versatile in his ability to play multiple roles in the forward line as opposed to just up front. If Boro could bring him in and keep him fit, he'd surely be an exciting option for Carrick.

The son of former Everton striker Kevin Campbell, one thing to note is that his father's health is undoubtedly a far bigger priority/focus right now. It was recently revealed that Campbell Snr is 'very unwell' in hospital, according to a statement from the Toffees.