Dael Fry to leave Boro? Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United & Stoke City should consider swoop | OneFootball

Dael Fry is out of contract at Middlesbrough this summer, as FLW takes a look at three clubs that could pounce for his signature

With the EFL Championship season entering its final phase of games, Kim Hellberg's Middlesbrough side are well-placed for a first return to the Premier League since 2017.

Boro, alongside Coventry City, have been one of the outstanding teams in the division this campaign, and despite a couple of blips along the way, a spot in the top two come May is looking increasingly likely every passing gameweek.

Initially led into the season by Welsh boss Rob Edwards before he jumped ship to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League after 16 games, and was replaced by Swedish boss Hellberg.

It would have been very easy for Boro to go off course and slip down the table following Edwards' departure. However, if anything, they have only got better, and now look poised to claim one of the top two places this campaign.

Like most promoted sides, a big summer overhaul to prepare the squad for top-flight football will be required, which will naturally see some players depart as a result.

One of those players could be home-grown defender Dael Fry, who is approaching 300 senior appearances across all competitions for the club, but is out of contract this summer.

Should Boro indeed be promoted, Fry, now 28, will likely be a casualty of that success, given he hasn't been one of the first choices at the club for years now, as FLW takes a look at three potential destinations where Fry could end up this summer.

Charlton Athletic

Nathan Jones has done an exceptional job since taking over at The Valley, with Charlton Athletic rising from relative obscurity in League One at the time of his arrival to looking likely to retain their Championship status this season.

The Welsh boss has always thrived as a coach of an underdog, with his work at Luton Town in particular earning him moves to both Stoke City and Southampton, albeit those two spells didn't exactly go to plan.

With another year in the Championship looking likely next campaign, preparations for the new season must already be in motion, as Jones will be identifying potential additions to his side's ranks.

With Conor Coady joining on loan in January following James Bree's recall to Southampton, another defender will be necessary this summer.

Middlesbrough's Fry could be the perfect fit for the Addicks, boasting ample Championship experience whilst costing nothing, fitting in line with their transfer policy to not break the bank.

As another option in his preferred back three system, Fry could seamlessly slot in at The Valley and provide some strong competition, as Charlton look to build upon this campaign heading into next year.

Sheffield United

It's been a strange season for Sheffield United on numerous accounts, with the Blades' chances of breaking into the play-off spots looking increasingly unlikely, though fears of falling into a relegation battle also appear to have been evaded.

Spanish boss Ruben Selles led the Blades into this season, though his tenure was about as disastrous as it was short-lived, with Chris Wilder returning to the helm after just six games into the campaign.

Wilder was not afforded the luxury of a transfer window, however, meaning he has had to deal with the business the club did under Selles, whilst adding his own bits of quality during January.

The signing of Mark McGuinness from Luton Town has yet to work out, with Nottingham Forest loanee Tyler Bindon emerging ahead of the Irishman in the pecking order alongside Japhet Tanganga.

With Ben Mee getting on, another option in the heart of defence wouldn't go amiss this summer, and Fry could be a sensible option.

Unlikely to demand a huge number of minutes, Fry is entering his physical prime and is more than capable of playing to a high level in the second tier.

Sheffield United's parachute payments run out this summer, meaning they won't be able to throw about money the way they previously were able to, as free transfers become a more attractive option to them.

Fry fits the bill, and he could fit in well at Bramall Lane given his age and profile.

Stoke City

At one stage, Stoke City looked like real contenders for promotion this season, but in typical Potters fashion, a lower mid-table finish looks to be the likely finishing point for the club once again.

Under the guidance of Mark Robins, there was genuine hope and a degree of expectation that the club could finally break into the top half of the Championship table after seven previous failed attempts.

Now, barring an excellent run of form between now and the end of the season, their hopes of a top-half finish look to be over, with yet another year in the second tier beckoning.

Ashley Phillips is set to return to Spurs at the end of the campaign following the completion of his loan, and could well remain in the Championship for another year if the Lilywhites are indeed relegated.

Meanwhile, Ben Gibson isn't getting any younger, whilst Ben Wilmot is out of contract at the end of the season, and yet to have his contract extension triggered or sign a new deal.

Therefore, one or two more bodies may be necessary at the back, and although the Potters are able to spend once again this upcoming summer, Fry on a free could be an excellent option for Robins' side.