Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic have joined Middlesbrough in the race to sign Todd Kane, according to Football Insider.

The 25-year-old is a free agent after he was released by Chelsea earlier this summer and has held talks with all three clubs, as he looks to begin the next chapter of his career.

The defender spent last season on at Hull City and scored three goals in 41 appearances for the Tigers in all competitions, helping them finish 13th in the Championship.

Kane did not make a first-team appearance for Chelsea throughout his time at Stamford Bridge and spent time on loan a various clubs in the EFL, including Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Oxford United and Hull.

He also had spells in the Netherlands with Eredivisie sides NEC Nijmegen and FC Groningen.

Middlesbrough will be hoping to challenge for promotion from the Championship this coming season, after just missing out on the play-offs last term.

Meanwhile, QPR and Wigan will be hoping to challenge further up the table, after both teams were involved in a relegation battle last season.

The Verdict

I think Kane would be a great signing for all three clubs on a free transfer. He's a good player and has got plenty of experience in the Championship.

He was an important player for Hull in the Championship last season and will be determined to get his career back on track following his release by Chelsea.

Kane can play at right-back, right wing-back, left-back and in midfield so his versatility makes him a very useful player for any manager to have in his squad.

I'm not sure which club would be the best option for Kane, but perhaps he may be more tempted by a move to Middlesbrough, as they are likely to challenging higher up the table than QPR and Wigan this season.