Michael Carrick's Ben Doak insistance as he makes Middlesbrough admission, amid transfer talk
Michael Carrick believes Middlesbrough is a good place for Ben Doak to continue his development for the rest of this season, but concedes his future is ultimately out of their hands.
On loan at Boro from Liverpool this season, his exceptional form has alerted Premier League clubs - with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town seeing bids rejected already this month. But with the Reds seemingly willing to sell, in a month they can recall him early from Teesside, the saga does not appear to be over just yet.
Liverpool are said to be happy with Doak's loan spell at Boro and are happy to see him stay until the end of the season before assessing again in the summer. However, it's said that if they receive an offer of around £30 million (roughly double the amount initially offered), they will consider selling the prospect.
READ MORE: No Rob Edwards exit impact expected as Middlesbrough plot next step after Isaiah Jones sale
READ MORE: Middlesbrough injury update for Blackburn with one player confirmed back in the squad
For now though, Doak remains a Boro player and will be in contention to play this weekend in the FA Cup third round against Blackburn Rovers - albeit with the game potentially an ideal opportunity to hand the 19-year-old a rest to keep from fresh for upcoming Championship games. As Doak continues to work hard and enjoy his Teesside stay, Carrick remains calm about a situation he ultimately has no control over.
Asked if Doak wants to stay at Boro, Carrick said: "It's difficult for me to answer that. It certainly suits him in many ways. There's no denying some of it is out of our hands, but I'm really calm and content. Hopefully it plays out and we're all happy and we still have Ben. We're in a good place and it's a good place for him.
"He's absolutely fine, no problem, no difference. He just gets on with his work as he has from day one. It suits him here. It's a good place to be, he's enjoying his football, he's learning, developing, having a great experience. I've got nothing but positive things to say about Ben."
