Middlesbrough had a very disappointing return to the Premier League having been relegated as the lowest scorers in the league.

Boro were promoted in 2016 on the final day of the season, drawing 1-1 with 10-man Brighton to win a return back to the top flight.

After a summer of bringing in impressive targets such as Alvaro Negredo on loan from Valencia, Boro started in decent form.

However, they tailed off towards Christmas and began to look as though they were in relegation trouble.

They finished second bottom of the table, and having appointed Garry Monk as Aitor Karanka's replacement as manager, they face a task of rebuilding the squad this summer to bounce straight back.

They have already lost goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who agreed to depart after their relegation.

Brad Guzan is on his way to the MLS on a pre-contract agreement and Dimi Konstantopoulos was released.

A goalkeeper is on Middlesbrough's summer wishlist as they look for someone to compete with Connor Ripley.

Here are three 'keepers they should look at.

Costel Pantilimon

The ex-Sunderland shot stopper was signed for Watford in January 2016 and has struggled to overthrow Heurelho Gomes as the club's number one goalkeeper.

The Romanian international had some really impressive spells whilst at Sunderland, who probably regret his sale now that Jordan Pickford has been sold.

Pantilimon would be an outstanding signing for Middlesbrough and would be a serious improvement on what they already have.

He would certainly be up there as one of the divisions best 'keepers.

Darren Randolph

West Ham took advantage of Randolph's expired contract at Birmingham City to bring him in a couple of years ago, and he has enjoyed fleeting spells as the club's number one since.

The Republic of Ireland international has shown his shot-stopping ability to the world at times this season with a stunning performance against Liverpool this year.

However, by the end of the season Adrian was back as the number one choice, and with Joe Hart linked with a move to the London Stadium, Randolph should look for a move away.

Middlesbrough would be an ideal destination.

Alex Smithies

Smithies is an extremely underrated goalkeeper and has proven to be a fine signing for Queens Park Rangers, joining the club in 2015 and overtaking Rob Green as first choice 'keeper.

He was reportedly linked with a move back to Huddersfield this summer, but Middlesbrough should really look to bring him in as promotion seems an unlikely prospect at Loftus Road for Smithies.

His shot stopping ability is up there with the best of the Championship.

This move would be an extremely smart one for Boro.

 

Middlesbrough fans... What do you make of this news? Would any of these be a decent replacement for Valdes? Let us know in the comments below.