As the new season approaches, Chris Wilder is looking to add to his Middlesbrough side so they can try and get a top six finish next season.

Boro did well last year and came close to the play-offs showing they're not far off but the competition for the play-offs will no doubt be fierce next season so Wilder needs to ensure his side is in the right shape to do so.

There have been some solid arrivals at the Riverside so far this summer but there are still areas that need some further development which the manager will need to look at before the new campaign gets underway.

With the season edging closer, although players are being snapped up there are plenty of free agents in the market still looking for a club.

With that in mind, here we take a look at eight free agents that Middlesbrough could consider adding to their ranks this summer.

Yoann Barbet could provide Middlesbrough with some more options at left-back next season.

The 29-year-old left QPR following the expiration of his contract this summer but played a key role in the side last season and showed his quality at this level.

Having plenty of Championship experience under his belt, he's the type of head you'd want in your team ahead of a season in which you're pushing for promotion.

Not only solid defensively, but Barbet is able to get forward to and contribute goals here and there.

Alfie Mawson is another defensive option that could be considered for Boro this summer.

Although he has been blighted by injuries of late, the 28-year-old was still able to get a handful of Championship appearances under his belt with Fulham last season.

He's another option that can provide a more forward thinking way of playing and if he can stay injury free and get a run of games, he can be a useful addition to a side at this level.

There's no doubting that Ryan Nyambe is a brilliant addition for any side at this level.

The 24-year-old was a regular part of the Blackburn side last season meaning he already has the experience of playing for a side pushing for the play-offs under his belt.

Furthermore, at a young age, he is a player who still has room to develop further in his career.

As an adaptable player who is able to run with the ball well whilst also providing defensively solidity, this could be another strong addition.

Michael Hector is another defensive option who could be a strong addition for Boro both on and off the pitch next season.

The 29-year-old has plenty of experience under his belt and has been in promotion winning sides at Fulham whilst also having experience in the top flight making him a good leader in that type of team.

Hector is unlikely to be a starting player given he spent a fair bit of last season on the bench. However, he has proven his ability to compete at this level and we already know Chris Wilder can work well with older players.

Looking at more forward options, Lukas Rupp could be a strong midfield addition for Middlesbrough's side next season.

Despite experiencing relegation from the top flight, the 31-year-old made 19 appearances in the Premier League last season and has plenty of experience in the top two leagues with Norwich City.

Again, he is a reliable head that Wilder could trust in the side and his ability and intelligence as a footballer cannot be underestimated.

Therefore, he is a player that Wilder could definitely call upon next season.

Josh Murphy has faced a tough few years in his career and his game time has suffered massively.

However, there's no doubting his talent at this level and under the management of someone like Wilder, you could imagine him doing well.

The 27-year-old has made 199 Championship appearances so far and racked up 24 goals in that time.

Furthermore, when getting consistent game timely, his number of goals increase alongside it.

Therefore, he could be a positive reinforcement in Wilder's side.

Middlesbrough could do with strengthening their attacking options ahead of next season and one option who's currently a free agent is Andy Carroll.

Whilst the 33-year-old has been known to be injury prone, it's unlikely he would be a starting 11 player at the Riverside and rather someone who can come on and make an impact and we know he is able to do so.

When he joined West Brom last season, he was able to score three goals in 15 games, whilst getting two in eight games for Reading earlier in the season.

He is a proven player at this level and could definitely add to Boro's tally.

Looking at further attacking options, Lewis Grabban could be a great acquisition for Boro this summer.

Lewis Grabban became a free agent after turning down a new deal at Nottingham Forest but last season he showed he has what it takes to be an important part of a team gaining promotion.

The forward has scored 112 goals in the Championship throughout his career so far so there's no doubting his ability to perform at this level on a consistent basis.

You can imagine he is keen to get regular game time, perhaps the reason he left Forest this summer, but there's no doubting he would strengthen a top side in the second tier.