Middlesbrough: 3 Luke Ayling upgrades if Sheffield United sign Leeds freebie | OneFootball

Luke Ayling's exploits with Middlesbrough won't have gone unnoticed for clubs looking for a free veteran addition.

In every squad full of youthful, exciting talent, you need those leaders who've been there and done it to be the glue that holds a dressing room together.

And any club looking for a free agent right-back who knows exactly what's required at Championship level need look no further than Ayling.

The Leeds United legend has been among the division's best at the position for many a year, whilst also showing his ability to play multiple seasons at Premier League level.

Now 32, Ayling has been enjoying a fruitful loan spell with Middlesbrough, in which he's demonstrated that he's still got a way to travel before his fuel light comes on.

Boro may well want to make the move permanent when the defender's Elland Road contract expires this summer, but they are set to face competition in the form of Sheffield United, as Chris Wilder is reported to hold an interest.

Should Ayling's time on Teesside come to an end this summer, where could Michael Carrick look in search of his replacement? FLW shortlists three potential options for the Boro boss...

Ki-Jana Hoever

Wolves

At just 22 years old, Ki-Jana Hoever boasts a trophy collection that many a top player would fail to rival.

Indeed, the Dutch youth international is a Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool, whilst also bagging a Super Cup with PSV Eindhoven respectively, per FotMob.

The accolades don't end there either, as he's tasted success at international level too, winning the UEFA U17 Championship with the Netherlands.

Wolves snapped up his services in 2020 and he's enjoyed back-to-back successful loan spells with Stoke City - catching the eye in forward areas with eight goals and four assists in 59 appearances for the Potters.

He looks like an exciting prospect and would be a shrewd bit of business for Boro - whether it's on loan or a permanent.

His form this season will likely complicate matters, however, as it can be expected that Wolves will want to take an extended look at Hoever in pre-season before making a decision on his future.

Perry Ng

Cardiff City

It's been made evidently clear that Carrick wants full-backs who can consistently contribute in attack, with Ryan Giles, Lukas Engel, and Alex Bangura all falling into the category of attack-minded defenders.

Therefore, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Boro boss taking a keen interest in Cardiff City's star right-back Perry Ng this summer.

The 27-year-old has been among the best right-backs in the Championship for multiple seasons, but after what has been arguably his best individual season in his career to date, interest appears certain to arrive in the summer.

In fact, Bluebirds manager Erol Bulut even confirmed that the club expect to receive summer bids for Ng in a recent interview.

If Cardiff are looking to cash in on their standout right-back this summer, Boro could do a lot worse than adding one of the league's most creative full-backs to bolster their promotion credentials.

Callum Brittain

Blackburn Rovers

Versatilility has been a trait that has been evidently desired by Carrick and head of football Kieran Scott, as many players have been forced into playing out of position on many occasions for Boro this season.

Rovers wideman Brittain fits that profile down to a tee, as he's comfortable operating anywhere down the right flank.

One of the main benefactors of Blackburn's Sammie Szmodics' outstanding season has been their adventurous Englishman, with a handful of assists to his name.

With the Lancashire side still caught up in a relegation battle, the 26-year-old would surely be seeking pastures new should Rovers drop into League One.

Even if John Eustace's side survive, Brittain may feel a rebuilding project isn't something he'd be keen to partake in at this stage of his career.

If so, Middlesbrough could look to swoop on the attacking-minded full-back this summer, but there will be an undoubted line of potential suitors they will need to compete with.