Michael Carrick admitted that there will be elements of the upcoming January transfer window that are out of Middlesbrough's control, but said the club would be ready to react to whatever crops up next month, as he was asked about the prospect of losing star striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.

After scoring 18 goals in his debut season at Boro last term, Latte Lath has followed that up this time around with nine goals so far for Carrick's promotion-chasing Boro. His form since arriving on Teesside has attracted plenty of attention, with Ipswich Town tableing a £20 million offer on transfer deadline day in the summer which was knocked back.

Boro are determined to once again keep all of they key players when the transfer window opens again in the New Year, but they are braced for more offers. Ipswich have been credited with a return offer, while West Ham have also been linked, with the Ivorian's agent saying he 'expected something to happen' in January.

READ MORE: Aston Villa's Louie Barry January transfer decision confirmed after Middlesbrough links

READ MORE: Michael Carrick's telling answer on Alex Gilbert's Middlesbrough prospects and potential loan

Asked about keeping Latte Lath, Carrick said a lot without really answering the question. He said: "I've said it before, we're determined to come out of January as strong, if not stronger, in many ways. It's obviously a tricky time of year. Some things that come up are completely in our eye-line and what we want to do, other times it's out of your control and things get thrown at you.

"We're ready to deal with whatever gets thrown at us. I'm happy with the squad and delighted with how everyone is contributing. I'm really excited at what's around the corner for us."

As things stand, Boro have a full squad and go into the January transfer window in a strong position knowing that they don't have to desperately chase anything. But in Latte Lath in particular, they know that they could receive big-money offers and, providing they are of a certain level, they will prove difficult to turn down.

The key for Boro in such a scenario would be making sure they adequately replace any player that leaves next month, with Carrick keen to ensure his squad is not weaker by the end of the window. They sit sixth in the table ahead of January, with their promotion prospects well and truly still intact.