Many players will see their current deals expire at the end of June which could be problematic if the 2019/20 campaign runs deep into the summer months. Our Middlesbrough writer Joe Nicholson has picked out nine Championship players whose deals are set to expire and could attract interest:
5. Sammy Ameobi (Nottingham Forest)
Boro fans saw a glimpse of what Ameobi is capable of during the winger's brief loan spell at the Riverside in 2013. This season, the tricky winger, 25, has been a regular for a promotion-chasing Forest side after joining the club in the summer. Photo: Stu Forster
6. Jake Cooper (Millwall)
The towering centre-back, 25, has been key to Millwall's promotion push this season, playing every minute of every game in the Championship Photo: Naomi Baker
7. Lee Tomlin (Cardiff City)
Another player Boro fans will be well aware of. Tomlin's career may have stalled after leaving the Riverside in 2015 but the 31-year-old has rediscovered his form with Cardiff this season, chipping in with seven goals and seven assists in the Championship. Photo: Michael Steele
8. Gaetano Berardi (Leeds United)
The form of captain Liam Cooper and Ben White has reduced Berardi's game time at Leeds this season. Still, the 31-year-old Swiss has done a job when needed for Marcelo Bielsa's side, and has plenty of Championship experience after joining the Whites in 2014. Photo: Alex Livesey