LIVERPOOL have sent a clear message to clubs interested in signing Middlesbrough loanee Ben Doak this month after offers from Crystal Palace and Ipswich were rejected on Friday.

Palace's offer of £15m and Ipswich's opening bid of £16m were both knocked back, with the Premier League leaders said to value the Scotland international around the £30m mark.

That valuation could deter interested clubs, which would be good news for Boro, who are hopeful of keeping the teenager for the rest of the season.

The Athletic say Ipswich's "pursuit is ongoing".

Liverpool are delighted with the way Doak's loan at Boro is progressing and have no intention of recalling Doak this month. There's also said to be a strong desire to keep Doak at Anfield long-term, unless their significant asking price is met this month.

Doak has impressed at the Riverside in the first half of the season and has told of how much he's enjoying his time with Boro.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Aidan Morris, Marcus Forss and Luke Ayling Middlesbrough injury update

• Middlesbrough's Emmanuel Latte Lath transfer position amid Leicester reports

• Honest Alex Gilbert opens up on frustration, Middlesbrough 'love' and hope after Hull

It's not clear at this stage whether Palace will return with an improved offer for Doak.

Boss Oliver Glasner said in a press conference on Friday: “We have a commitment that we want to sign two players, two different positions. The profiles are clear. Players are fixed. Now we have to get the deals done.

“This is the job of the club. I know they are working hard. Better we get them yesterday than tomorrow but we’re not the only ones who want them. I have a clear commitment we want to sign two players.”

Boro will continue to monitor the situation with Doak and are in close contact with Liverpool.

But any potential uncertainty over Doak's future could have a knock-on effect on other players. Isaiah Jones has been linked with a move away this month but Boro won't want to risk leaving themselves short.

Boro do have transfer targets in place in various positions but with their squad currently at full capacity there'll have to be exits to make way for any new arrivals.

Having been rested for the midweek game at Hull City, Doak is likely to return to the Boro starting XI for Saturday's game against Cardiff City at the Riverside.