Middlesbrough have made some wonderful big-money signings over the years.

But while Steve Gibson loves a landmark arrival, he's not against shopping in the bargain bucket from time to time.

Every now and then you can find yourself a top quality player available on the market for absolutely nothing - something that the Teessiders have done particularly well with over the years.

So who are Middlesbrough's top six free transfers? We take a look at some of the contenders.

His arrival may have been overshadowed by the signing of players such as Juninho, Emerson and Fabrizio Ravenelli, but the Norwegian striker would an excellent addition.

Beck spent three years at the Riverside Stadium before moving on, however he still counts himself as a supporter of the Teessiders.

A landmark arrival at the start of the 2003-04 season, Mendieta was a real signal of intent from Steve McClaren and Steve Gibson.

Initially signing on loan, the former Barcelona and Lazio star made his move permanent for free the following year and will forever be remembered as one of the biggest names to play at the Riverside.

Similar to Mendieta, Zenden joined on a season-long loan deal before making his move permanent.

The Dutch star was a key player as Middlesbrough won the Carling Cup in 2004 and then was a central figure in the club's first campaign in the UEFA Cup, including getting himself on the scoresheet with a memorable double against Lazio.

The former Chelsea star joined the club in 2014 and became an instant hit on Teesside.

Hasselbaink led the front line through Middlesbrough's two campaigns in Europe and played a massive role in helping the club to reach the UEFA Cup final in 2006.

After joining the club as an emergency backup player in 2013, few would have anticipated the impact that he'd make at the club.

Konstantopolous established himself as the club's undisputed number one goalkeeper during Aitor Karanka's time at the club and played a massive role in helping the team to promotion in 2016.

Few expected that the former Sunderland man would establish himself as a modern day Middlesbrough legend.

After joining on a free transfer from Ipswich Town, Leadbitter became the beating heart of the Teessiders and was very much the talismanic figure under Aitor Karanka as the club secured promotion to the Premier League.