Michael Carrick admitted Middlesbrough are taking a close look at their goalkeeper situation this month, as they explore a potential Mark Travers loan.

Though Carrick would not speak about any individuals specifically, he did confirm that Boro will be assessing their options this month and could enter the market for a new shot-stopper. Travers arriving on loan from Bournemouth is being discussed, though they face competition from Watford.

It comes as Boro are currently left with Tom Glover as their only senior keeper right now. Sol Brynn has suffered a shoulder injury which will keep him out until the end of March at the earliest, while Seny Dieng has been out for a month with a hip flexor issue. In Thursday’s press conference ahead of the trip to Portsmouth, the Boro boss said the Senegal international had made a positive step towards his return, but an exact date is not yet set.

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Asked if they might enter the market for a new goalkeeper after the links to Travers, Carrick said: “It’s certainly something we’ve looked at and will continue to do so as the month goes on - assess where that lies and how it will work in terms of fitness and availability and also moving forward. It’s a constant discussion on that one really.”

Travers appears likely to be on the move at some point this month, with both Boro and Watford linked. Tom Cleverley’s play-off rivals are also seeking a new shot-stopper this month after Daniel Bachmann was ruled out for up to three months, leaving Jonathan Bond as their only senior option.

An Ireland international, Travers is said to be desperate to leave the Cherries this month in order to play regularly in the second half of the season. On Tuesday, he made just his fifth appearance of the season when he was forced to deputise against Chelsea due to first-choice loan star Kepa Arrizabalaga being ineligible against his parent club.

With that obligation completed though, Travers’ efforts to find a new club until the end of the season are likely to step up, with Boro believed to be in the race. If Travers were to join, it remains to be seen if a goalkeeper would depart, or if they’d just write off Brynn’s season and put his focus onto getting back for next season after stepping up before his injury to look well-positioned as Boro’s new long-term first-choice.