Despite dropping back down to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League – Middlesbrough are being backed to make a quick-fire return next term.

Boro joined North East rivals Sunderland in having their relegation confirmed, following their 3-0 loss to champions-elect Chelsea.

But the odds on Boro returning 12-months from now are just 3/1 and 9/1 to win the Championship.

bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth said: “Relegation has finally been confirmed after Karanka’s continued safety-first approach backfired, with Steve Agnew unable to halt the slump.”

Boro are also 8/13 to finish above Sunderland.

Our Football Insider Graeme Bailey believes Boro could be well placed with their squad, even if a few big names do leave this summer.

“Clearly some big names are going to leave, Negredo, Valdes, Ramirez and probably Gibson and De Roon – but there is still a very good spine of a team. The likes of Ayala, Clayton and Friend have all done very well at that level before and even up-front Rudy Gestede and Patrick Bamford are potent at that level – add a few more names to what they have, and they are likely to be in the mix.

“However, the big decision for Boro, is who will be in charge? Will they stick with Steve Agnew – I am not sure.”