Middlesbrough will be looking to prove themselves as shrewd operators in the summer transfer window.

Far too often we've seen the Teessiders overspend on players over the years with minimal rewards to show for their substantial investments.

However with another season in the Championship confirmed it means that Neil Warnock will perhaps have to tighten the purse strings if they're going to bring in any players this summer.

The free transfer market is booming this summer and as a result there are plenty of bargains to be had if Middlesbrough can look in the right place.

So who should Middlesbrough look to sign on a free transfer? We pick out nine options who the club should consider.

The Sunderland man could be hot property this summer.

Luke O'Nien moved to the Stadium Of Light in 2018 and has since established himself as one of the most consistent players in League One after making 139 appearances for the Black Cats in that time.

O'Nien's biggest attribute is his versatility, with the player playing a large number of games at right back, centre midfield, left back and centre back during his time at the Stadium Of Light.

At the age of 26 it's clear that he's ready to step up to the Championship and with Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Luton Town keen, he could get that chance.

However given that he's currently settled in the North East, a move to Teesside could be a preferred option.

Barnsley's talisman has had a heck of a season.

The Tykes only managed to avoid relegation on the final day last term and so this time around it was expected that a basement battle would be the likely objective that they faced.

Instead, Alex Mowatt led the Yorkshire side to a top six finish before having a crack at the play-offs against Swansea City.

With eight goals and seven assists to his name the central midfield is certainly someone who could add to Middlesbrough's attacking presence, but with plenty of interest likely to emerge, it will take a big effort to get a deal wrapped up for the out of contract player.

Someone who could surely be a nice fit for Neil Warnock.

Martyn Waghorn has been a big presence at Derby County this season, and while things haven't exactly gone to plan for the Rams, there's no doubt that the striker deserves credit.

The 31-year-old is out of contract this summer and as a result has been linked to a number of clubs including Cardiff City and Ipswich Town.

Waghorn is from the North East originally and so while a move for the experienced player might not be at the top of the club's list, there could certainly be some value in adding the powerful attacker to Middlesbrough's ranks.

The second Sunderland man in our list of free agents.

Middlesbrough will be looking for more upward curve players to join Neil Warnock's squad and Denver Hume certainly fits into that category.

The 22-year-old left-back has already made 76 appearances for Sunderland and has been the club's first choice full-back so far this term, meaning that the Black Cats will certainly be wanting to tie him down.

Neil Warnock could be looking for competition for Marc Bola this summer and if a bargain move for Hume is on the cards then I think that they'd be foolish not to consider it.

A player who has been regularly linked with a move to Middlesbrough.

Famara Diedhiou has been playing for Bristol City in recent seasons and has established himself as one of the Championship's most dangerous attackers with an average of 13 goals in each of his first three years at the club.

Last term was a tad disappointing by his own standards, but given that his contract situation has played out rather publicly, you can see why he's been distracted.

Middlesbrough are known admirers of the striker, and with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher moving on this summer, it means that the club will need to be signing at least two new frontmen before the new season starts.

Diedhiou certainly seems like a Neil Warnock signing and so if a free transfer can be agreed then it could be great business.

A player who has rarely been out of the headlines during the last couple of months.

Charlie Wyke has had a brilliant season in League One after finding the back of the net on no less than 31 occasions for Sunderland as they secured fourth spot in the league.

The play-offs didn't exactly go to plan for the Black Cats and so with his contract due to expire this summer, it means that Lee Johnson's side face a tough task to keep hold of the player.

Middlesbrough are among a list of clubs including Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Cardiff City who keen to sign the player, but given his affinity for the area and his history in Middlesbrough's academy set-up, this could be a move that makes sense.

That is, of course, if they can see off the significant competition to get a deal done.

Another ex-Middlesbrough man who is available for nothing.

Adam Reach left Teesside and moved to Sheffield Wednesday back in 2016 and has been a regular player at Hillsborough ever since.

However with the Owls suffering relegation to League One it seems that Darren Moore's side are looking for a fresh start as they look to push for promotion from League One this term.

Everyone knows that Reach has wonderful ability in that left foot of his, and given that he's still only 28, the winger is still very much in the prime years of his playing career.

There's nothing to suggest that Middlesbrough are interested, but I think that this would be a good signing.

Another Sunderland player who could be a surprise bet.

Aiden McGeady has enjoyed a wonderful season for the Black Cats, scoring six goals and creating 17 more for Lee Johnson's side.

However with his contract expiring it means that a summer move could be on the cards.

The winger may be 35 years of age, but he's clearly still got the quality to be a big player and with Middlesbrough looking to sign wingers it could be the perfect short-term solution to a long-term problem.

Whether a deal will be seen as an option, however, remains to be seen.

 

A player who is already on the radar of Middlesbrough, according to The Telegraph.

Kadeem Harris is another victim of Sheffield Wednesday's summer cull with the winger set to leave Hillsborough at the end of his contract.

The 27-year-old has been with Wednesday for two years and made a rather impressive 88 appearances for the club during that time.

Given that he's in his prime years the hope is that the player could bring the sort of consistency to Neil Warnock's side that he needs in order to help the club to the next level.

However with lots of interest in his services, this could be a hard one to do.