The future of George Friend is a real concern for Middlesbrough supporters.

The 32-year-old is in the final year of his contract meaning that the Teessiders risk losing him for nothing next summer.

The Northern Echo have reported that Friend is the subject of interest from Stoke City who are keen to make a cut-price move for him in the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough have been struggling so far this term after a run of nine games without a win – a period that has left them sitting in the relegation zone.

Friend has been injured for much of the season but made his long-awaited comeback in the 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

However with his future hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen how much longer he’ll be sticking around.

If George Friend does move on then it'll be up to Adrian Bevington and scouting team with Middlesbrough

Luke Garbutt

The Ipswich Town loanee has been one of League One's top performers this term.

At 26 years of age Garbutt has been there and done it, but there's still a degree of uncertainty around his future after hardly featuring for parent club Everton so far in his career.

A move to Middlesbrough could be an ideal move for the defender, while also guaranteeing a player for Jonathan Woodgate who is a proven player in the football league.

Ryan Manning

The QPR star has enjoyed an excellent season so far in the Championship.

The Republic Of Ireland International is out of contract at the end of the season, and is likely to be chased by numerous clubs in the second tier.

A central midfielder originally, Manning has reinvented himself as an offensive left back under Mark Warburton and could be a good option for Middlesbrough.

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Josh Ruffels

The Oxford United start has been a consistently strong performer so far this season.

The League One side are going great guns so far this term and find themselves in fourth place in the league, with Ruffels being a key part of that.

A midfielder originally, Ruffels could be the perfect, cost-effective signing to fit Jonathan Woodgate's system.