MIDDLESBROUGH won't be signing Ross Barkley this summer.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder is set to become a free agent after spending last season in France with Nice and is keen on a return to England, with reports earlier this week claiming Boro were in talks with the 29-year-old.

But baffled club officials are understood to have been as taken aback as fans by those links. Boro have not held talks with Barkley and there's no interest in bringing him to Teesside this summer.

While Barkley, a 33-time England international, is undoubtedly an extremely gifted footballer - which head coach Michael Carrick is well aware of having played against him in the Premier League and alongside him on the international stage - he's not the type of player Boro are tracking this summer.

Other than in goal, Boro are understood to be prioritising players aged 26 and under, who are on the way up with their best years ahead of them.

While former boss Chris Wilder and club officials had different ideas last summer, current head coach Michael Carrick and the club's recruitment team are on the same page when it comes to targets, with plans put in place long before the end of last season.

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Boro are keen to strengthen in several areas as they plot a promotion push for the coming campaign. A senior goalkeeper is a priority on the back of Zack Steffen's return to Manchester City, with Newcastle's Karl Darlow a leading target.

Darlow will leave St James' Park this summer and Hull City are desperate to sign the 32-year-old on a permanent deal after a successful loan at the MKM Stadium. Darlow is said to have enjoyed his time with the Tigers and boss Liam Rosenior was confident of securing a long-term deal for the keeper.

But Boro - who have long admired Darlow and previously tried to sign the keeper - are an extremely attractive Championship proposition and a switch to Teesside would mean the keeper and his family wouldn't have to relocate.

Boro are also in the market for a striker this summer on the back of Cameron Archer's Aston Villa return, and will look to add a wide player to their ranks as well.

There may well be the need to add a midfield player, with Carrick set to assess his options in pre-season, and a decision will also be made at left-back after Ryan Giles' exit.

Giles enjoyed a superb season on Teesside, with Wolves now facing a decision on the best course of action for the 23-year-old. A Boro return - at this stage - is unlikely.

Matt Jackson, strategic player marketing manager at Molineux, told the Athletic this week: "We’re under no contract pressure [Giles is contracted for another two years], which is a great position for the club to be in. And then it is all about the coach making decisions for the make-up of his squad. We get calls from all over Europe about him.

“He now no longer looks like a winger playing at full-back, but it’s still fair to say that, because of the qualities he’s got, playing him high up the pitch is where you get the best return. He will then start to add goals to his game. Then you’ve got a really formidable force.

“This was his eighth loan and he has improved something in his game in each of them. He thinks about the game. You shouldn’t have favourites (in my job) but he is one of my favourites, because he’s funny and personable and the fact he has fitted into every changing room and we’ve never heard one word of discontent speaks volumes about him. He’s a great character, and he’s going to have a great future in the game.”