MIDDLESBROUGH are preparing for January transfer interest in Emmanuel Latte Lath – but there’s a determined drive to ensure the club come out of the window with the squad as strong – if not stronger – than it is as things now.
Latte Lath has been connected with Ipswich Town and West Ham United, with his agent Matthias Veneroso adding to the intrigue last week when he said he “expects something to happen in January”.
Boro obviously want to keep the Ivorian, who netted his ninth goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Plymouth, but will plan for every eventuality ahead of the window to ensure they leave January still in an exceptionally good position.
Boro do have possible targets lined up in numerous areas, albeit the squad is currently at maximum capacity so players would have to move on before any acquisitions are made.
One player who is exceedingly unlikely to be joining in January is Louie Barry. Boro have observed the young forward in the first half of the season but have no plans to pursue a move as things stand.
Barry has impressed in League One on loan at Stockport, who revealed earlier this week that Aston Villa have activated their provision to recall the 21-year-old in the winter window.
The idea is that Villa will send Barry back out to the Championship next month. Boro have been connected – as well as Derby County and Leeds – but will prefer other targets if they feel the need to reinforce the attack in January.
As well as Latte Lath, Isaiah Jones has been linked with a transfer away from Boro, with reports last week stating the winger – who has battled for game-time this season after sliding behind Ben Doak in the pecking order – is keen on a departure in search of regular action.
Looking ahead to January and questioned explicitly about Latte Lath’s predicament, Carrick said yesterday: “I’ve said it before, we’re determined to come out of January as strong, if not stronger, in many areas.
“It’s certainly a challenging time of year. Some things that come up are entirely in our eye-line and what we want to do, other times it’s out of your control and things get hurled at you.
“We’re ready to deal with whatever gets thrown at us. I’m satisfied with the squad and delighted with how everyone is contributing. I’m definitely looking forward to what the future holds for us.”
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