Derby County have made enquiries about signing Middlesbrough's Dan Barlaser before the end of the January transfer window after sealing a deal for Matt Clarke - which in turn, could help Boro secure more incoming arrivals.

The Boro duo have both fallen down the pecking order on Teesside and their exits - Clarke's move has been confirmed - could help Boro push through one or two more incoming deals before the window closes next Monday evening. They would ideally like to sign a midfielder and a goalkeeper, and would need a striker if Emmanuel Latte Lath were to depart for Atlanta United - though at this stage, that move is looking less likely.

Boro have this month signed Ryan Giles on loan from Hull City and also added George Edmundson on a permanent deal after his successful loan, while they've paid £5m up front for Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argyle. In turn, Isaiah Jones has been the only major exit, in a deal worth £5m if future performance-related add-ons are met.

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As such, more outgoings would likely help Boro this month and given Barlaser has been used less frequently in recent weeks, Boro would be unlikley to stand in his way if offers they deemed acceptable were to arrive. That's a similar situation with Josh Coburn too, currently on loan at Millwall who are said to be keen to make that a permanent switch this month.

Asked about potential exits in the final week of the window amid interest in Clarke and Alex Gilbert, Boro boss Michael Carrick said: "This week is what it is. There are decisions to be made on a number of things. We'll have to wait and see. It's difficult to say with individuals at this stage of the season. There's a bit to go through this week, a number of lads who we need to think about what's best for us and them and work that out. We'll see how it goes."

Barlaser is well-known by Rams boss Paul Warne, who managed him at Rotherham United. Always a huige fan of the Tyneside midfielder, Warne said after Derby's win over Boro early this season: "I said this to the lads all week, I think they're a definite top-six team.

"As always the teams coming down have real firepower but I really like the way the team plays and I like their signings. I'm biased, but Dan Barlaser can't get in the team. If you have him on the bench that's some weapon. I think you can judge how good Middlesbrough's team is by their bench. You had £4m, £4m, we'll accept £3m for him... it was a joke!"

Gilbert could also leave on loan this month after Whittaker's arrival pushed him further down the pecking order. Carrick retains belief that the former Brentford man can still enjoy a big future at the Riverside though, so a permanent exit would be unlikely.