Middlesbrough transfer exit 'decisions to be made' as deadline day looms
Michael Carrick has not ruled out any more Middlesbrough exits in the final week of the January transfer window after Micah Hamilton's loan switch to Stockport County.
The Teessiders brought Ryan Giles and Morgan Whittaker to the Riverside last week, and completed a permanent deal for Ipswich Town defender George Edmundson after he was briefly recalled to Portman Road. It means competition for places has increased in the Boro squad, which is of course a positive as far as Carrick is concerned.
However, it could also result in less opportunities for some of the fringe players in the squad, with some decisions to be made on their futures in the coming days. The likes of Alex Gilbert and Matt Clarke have been linked with move away - either on loan or permanent - with Derby Country keen on experienced defender Clarke.
READ MORE: Micah Hamilton opens up on difficult Middlesbrough spell as he aims to find himself at Stockport
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Boro sanctioned Hamilton's loan move that week, with the former Manchester City forward now looking to get plenty of games under his belt in League One, as Stockport push for promotion to the Championship..
"It was just to get him a good run of games," Carrick explained of Hamilton's exti. "He could have stayed here and at one stage we were looking at that and being here and being around it. But then things change a little bit and we thought it would be best for him to go and play and do really well, and hopefully come back stronger for us at the end of the season.
On other potential exits, Carrick was understandably cautious to reveal too much. The window closes at 11pm on Monday, February 3, so the clock is ticking on any more deals.
"This week is what it is," he added." There are decisions to be made on a number of things. We'll have to wait and see.
"It's difficult to say with individuals at this stage of the season. There's a bit to go through this week, a number of lads who we need to think about what's best for us and them and work that out. We'll see how it goes."
