SkyBet have placed Middlesbrough as the 4/6 favourites to bring Robert Huth back to the Riverside Stadium this summer.

What's the story?

Huth is available on a free transfer this summer following his release from Leicester City.

The centre-back played a key role in Leicester's 2015-16 title-winning Premier League campaign, but did not turn out for the Foxes last season due to ankle and foot injuries.

The 33-year-old still wants to continue in the professional game, however, and is bidding to be fit for the start of pre-season next month.

SkyBet have placed Boro as the favourites to sign the German defender, and if the bookmaker is to be believed, they are well ahead of the likes of Stoke City and Aston Villa.

Huth turned out for Boro between 2006 and 2009 - making 63 appearances for the club before leaving to return to the Premier League with Stoke City.

Would Huth be a good signing?

There will be concerns over Huth's fitness following a long period on the sidelines, but there is no question that he is a fine defender when fit.

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Boro are expected to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer when considering the interest surrounding Ben Gibson, who has been linked with Everton and Southampton.

Gibson has been a terrific servant to Boro, but Huth's arrival this summer would certainly soften the blow of his departure.

Huth, who is valued at £2.3m by transfermarkt.co.uk, would also be the perfect player to guide young defender Dael Fry, who is being tipped by the club's supporters to make a big impression next season.

The former Germany international is no spring chicken, but he is a terrific centre-back, and could turn out to be an inspired signing for a Boro side hoping to make another push for Premier League promotion in the new season.