MICHAEL Carrick says Middlesbrough is ready to take advantage of any “opportunities” as the Championship promotion hopes try to wrap up a hectic January transfer season.
Emmanuel Latte Lath is likely to complete his move to Atlanta United over the weekend, following a £22.5 million agreement reached between the clubs this week.
However, Hayden Hackney will not be following Latte Lath out the door. According to Sky, Porto made an attempt for the midfielder but were flatly rejected. And the reaction will be the same if any additional questions are received before Monday’s deadline.
Hackney, despite his age, is swiftly approaching 100 Boro games. He has established himself as a standout in Carrick’s side over the last few seasons. This season, he has captained his hometown club on several occasions in place of Jonny Howson and Luke Ayling.
The goal for incomings in the last days of the window will be to replace Latte Lath, with Boro having laid the foundation in recent months to prepare for the potential of losing their top scorer. Targets are lined up ahead of the window, and Latte Lath will be replaced before Monday night’s deadline. David Strelec is one of the targets. Celtic are also reportedly interested in the Slovan Bratislava frontman.
Boro have also been monitoring their possibilities at right-back and midfield this week, with interest in Anfernee Dijksteel and Dan Barlaser, although those players appear to be staying at the Riverside. However, things might change quickly in the last few days of the window.
Millwall is one of several clubs interested in Dijksteel, and the Lions, who signed Ajay Matthews this week, are also looking to sign loanee Josh Coburn on a permanent deal. Derby had been in contact with Boro over Barlaser.
When asked about potential exits yesterday, Carrick responded, “It’s that time of year, there’s rumours about.” I don’t really read them. It’s that time of the year. Rumours are not for me to remark on.
“We’re generally pleased with the team but looking to improve it. There will be things that come at us, and we will examine each player individually.
Carrick stated that Boro hopes to be active in incomings during the last three days of the transfer window.
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s any surprise,” the man responded.
“I believe every club in the country is doing the same thing with a few days left.
“There is always something out there that could be an opportunity. It would be criminal for us to not strive to better the group.”
Carrick, on the other hand, is not looking to improve his centre-back position.
Matt Clarke left for Derby this week, but Carrick believes he has enough central defensive alternatives and has ruled out bringing in anyone in that area, saying: ‘Nah, we’ll be fine’.
Boro’s manager explained Clarke’s departure, saying: “It was the correct thing all around.
“Clarkey wanted to play games, and we respected that. He has been amazing since I have been here. When I initially arrived, he had recovered from his lengthy absence from the pitch, and he hasn’t missed a single training day since.
“He’s been fit, played a lot of games, and performed admirably, and his attitude and professionalism have been excellent. It was just one of those timings that worked for everyone, and Clarkey was eager to go play.”
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