Ben Doak transfer clause confirmed after Liverpool rejected Premier League offers
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has confirmed Liverpool must adhere to a cut-off date if it plans to recall Ben Doak to Anfield this month.
Doak, 19, is enjoying an excellent season with the Championship side, with Boro firmly in the hunt for a play-off place. It is the youngster's first full campaign at senior level but his performances have caught the eye of Premier League sides.
It was reported earlier this month by The Athletic that Liverpool had rejected offers in the region of $18m/£15m from Crystal Palace and Ipswich for the Scotland international. Arne Slot's side will demand at least $37m/£30m if it is to agree a deal.
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Liverpool's preferred option is for Doak to remain at the Riverside for the remainder of the campaign but there has been speculation that he could be recalled, should a suitable offer arrive.
That would of course leave Middlesbrough in the lurch late in the window but former Manchester United captain Carrick is not concerned. According to The Northern Echo, Liverpool will have to recall Doak at least a week or so before the deadline on February 3.
Speaking ahead of his side's crucial game against West Brom on Tuesday night, Carrick said: "There is a cut-off point. There’s something in place that means it’s not to the end of the window with Ben, it’s not something that will run to then.
"It doesn’t go up to that point. A lot of loans have that kind of arrangement in place, and it’s something that is there. There’s nothing changing with that situation, genuinely. There’s nothing changed there, and we’re pretty calm about things."
Doak had hoped to feature in the Liverpool first team this season after his injury problems last term. But Slot insisted he needed regular opportunities to continue his development.
Carrick has continued to praise his loan player, with Doak scoring twice and providing a further six assists in his 22 Championship matches so far this season.
