Middlesbrough head into the summer transfer window with a fair amount of uncertainty continuing to hang over the club. 

After deciding not to renew Tony Pulis' contract at the end of the season, Steve Gibson and co remain on the hunt for a fresh face in the dug-out who can revitalise the squad and excite the Riverside crowd.

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But they will need to negotiate the transfer window regardless and keeping hold of exciting young defender Dael Fry could prove to be their biggest challenge.

The 21-year-old had somewhat of a breakthrough season for Boro, racking up 34 Championship appearances and assisting four goals as well.

A host of Premier League teams are thought to be interested in Fry, although it is Liverpool and Burnley who appear to be leading the charge for his signature at the moment, according to the Northern Echo.

But where will he end up by the end of the summer window?

We take a look at the potential paths he could follow...

Stay with Middlesbrough

After just one full season with the North East club, it could make sense to hang around where he is pretty much guaranteed first-team football.

It would be a big surprise if whoever takes over from Pulis does not fancy having Fry in his starting XI and taking part in another promotion bid could be the best thing for him.

Push for Liverpool 

It is very easy to understand the appeal of a move to Anfield.

The European champions are playing arguably their best football in decades and are doing so with a very likeable squad in the process.

With the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez at his disposal, it may take a lot for Jurgen Klopp to give him a chance but he has shown that he is willing to give everyone a chance.

And learning from Van Dijk on a daily basis cannot be a bad thing.

Push for Burnley 

This would give Fry his best chance at top-flight football next season.

Sean Dyche has a real eye for a centre-back and if he thinks that Fry can make the step-up to his side then I think that should give him all the confidence needed.

Ben Gibson shows that moving to Burnley gives no guarantees of success but if he is to leave this summer, there is unlikely to be a better destination.