MIDDLESBROUGH are braced for January transfer interest in Emmanuel Latte Lath - but there's a fierce determination to ensure the club come out of the window with the squad as strong - if not stronger - than it is as things stand.

Latte Lath has been linked with Ipswich Town and West Ham United, with his agent Matthias Veneroso adding to the speculation last week when he said he "expects something to happen in January".

Boro obviously want to keep the Ivorian, who scored his ninth goal of the season in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Plymouth, but will plan for every eventuality ahead of the window to ensure they end January still in an extremely strong position.

Boro do have potential targets lined up in several areas, though the squad is currently at full capacity so players would have to move on before any signings are made.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Carrick confirms three Middlesbrough players will miss Sheffield Wednesday game

• Michael Carrick's defensive admission - and concern about how to put things right

One player who is extremely unlikely to be joining in January is Louie Barry. Boro have watched the young forward in the first half of the season but have no plans to pursue a move as things stand.

Barry has impressed in League One on loan at Stockport, who confirmed earlier this week that Aston Villa have activated their clause to recall the 21-year-old in the winter window.

The expectation is that Villa will send Barry back out to the Championship next month. Boro have been linked - as well as Derby County and Leeds - but will prioritise other targets if they feel the need to strengthen the attack in January.

As well as Latte Lath, Isaiah Jones has been linked with a move away from Boro, with reports last week claiming the winger - who has struggled for game-time this season after falling behind Ben Doak in the pecking order - is keen on a switch in search of regular football.

Looking ahead to January and asked specifically about Latte Lath's situation, Carrick said yesterday: "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."