EX-Middlesbrough defender Sol Bamba is still considering a number of options after his release from the club this summer.

After Boro decided against offering the veteran defender a new contract, Bamba has had a number of offers on the table from various EFL sides. Reports suggest that League Two side Swindon Town are at an advanced stage of talks with the 37-year-old centre back while League One side Charlton Athletic and Championship outfit Preston North End have also been credited with an interest.

Bamba was a fans favourite on Teesside after featuring 25 times in the heart of the defence. His off the field contribution was just as strong as his contribution on it as he conducted a coaching role within the clubs’s youth set up. However, he was not offered a new deal in the summer as Boro manager Chris Wilder carries out sweeping changes at the club this summer.

Despite a number of offers from clubs, the veteran is yet to make a decision on whether he will continue his playing career or go into coaching, something he has openly said he wants to do once he retires. “There are a few options here and there” Bamba told Sky Sports at the end of June.

“I am just thinking about it at the minute but I want to get back in because pre-season is starting for clubs and the fixtures have been released so I’m not sure if I am going to carry on or not but, if I do, then I need to go back in as soon as possible. In the next couple of weeks, I will make a decision if I am back playing or if I’m starting as a coach at a club.”

Boro are continuing to conduct their business over the summer having brought in Darragh Lenihan, Liam Roberts and Ryan Giles so far. Talks have been held with a number of striking options including former Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick while they are reserving an interest in Newcastle United frontman Dwight Gayle and Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Defender Tommy Smith played and scored in Boro’s 5-0 friendly win over Bishop Auckland at the weekend as part of a trial match following his release from Stoke City. Any potential deal for Smith hinges on the outcome of Djed Spence’s switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

Meanwhile, Hayden Coulson has been told he can leave the club while Grant Hall, Chuba Akpom and Uche Ikpeazu were not present at Heritage Park and have been told not to report back to Boro for pre-season training.