MICHAEL Carrick says Middlesbrough will weigh up their short and long-term options as they consider their next step ahead of the imminent departure of Isaiah Jones.

Jones travelled to Luton on Thursday to complete a medical ahead of finalising a permanent switch to join the Hatters.

Luton confirmed the exit of manager Rob Edwards on Thursday afternoon but that isn't expected to have any impact on the Jones deal, with the capture of the winger driven by the club's recruitment team.

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, Carrick was reluctant to be drawn on Jones' situation with the move not yet confirmed, but he said Boro "always try to make the right decision" for all parties where transfers are concerned. It's felt the time is right for Jones to move on, with the winger having struggled for action this season.

"Nothing is really done to be honest at this stage," said Carrick.

"It's that time of year where there's a lot of interest. There's interest, from what I hear, in a number of our players. We have some good players so we understand that. There's always a call of what's right for everyone. We always try to make the right decision."

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The expected exit of Jones will free up space in Boro's squad, which was a full capacity, but Carrick says there'll be no rush to make a decision on incomings.

It's understood Boro will potentially look to replace Jones this month, but it's not the only area under attention. And Ben Doak's situation - amid Premier League interest in the Liverpool loanee - is being closely monitored.

Doak has firmly established himself as Carrick's first choice right winger this season, while Marcus Forss is set to return from injury against Blackburn in the FA Cup this weekend.

Carrick said: "Ifs and buts. There's nothing or nobody to replace at this stage.

"It's just a constant balancing act and way of looking at it and seeing what we need and what will benefit us, certainly in the short term for the next three or four months to then what the group looks like moving forward as well.

"There's different eyes on it, what we need here and now but also an eye on the future as well.

"Regardless of any individual, we do feel we've got a good squad, but it doesn't stop us from trying to improve things. There are always moving parts in some way shape or form. It's something we've got to judge and address as it moves along but we're always trying to improve. We'll see how it unfolds over the next couple of weeks."