Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has revealed that winger Ben Doak cannot now be recalled for sale by parent club Liverpool.

Ipswich Town had a £16m bid for the Scottish international rejected earlier in the month, with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace also having an offer knocked back.

Palace went on to sign winger Romaine Esse from Millwall for a reported £14.5m, while Ipswich brought in Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa for £20m and are closing in on the loan addition of versatile forward Julio Enciso from Brighton.

Speaking to the Northern Echo after Doak scored in Boro's 2-0 home win against West Brom last night, Carrick said: “The deadline has passed for Ben (to be recalled by Liverpool).

“I said all along I was calm! Obviously we’re really happy he’s here, but genuinely, it hasn’t been a big thing for us.

“He showed again tonight how dangerous he is and then scored a terrific goal.

“It’s something he can do a little bit more, come inside onto his left foot, because it’s something he’s good at as well. I’m delighted with it.

“He’s got that weapon and unique threat. The way he plays the game, everyone has their own strengths, but the way Ben plays the game, he’s always in the game and always a threat.

“We’re obviously happy he’ll be staying here. He’s a big role and he’ll continue to do that for the time that he’s here.”

Town yesterday recalled defender George Edmundson from Middlesbrough, having rejected a £350k offer from his loan club earlier in the window. He's due to be out of contract this summer and can't play for anyone other than Ipswich or Middlesbrough for the remainder of this season under the two-club rule.

Meanwhile, it's understood that Ali Al-Hamadi's switch to Championship club West Brom is now looking unlikely.