Middlesbrough boss makes Ben Doak loan admission after Crystal Palace see bid for Liverpool winger rejected

Michael Carrick is relaxed over Ben Doak’s Middlesbrough future amid Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Ipswich both having bids rejected for the Liverpool winger.

The 19-year-old is on a season-long loan at the Riverside and picked up an assist in their 1-1 draw with Cardiff over the weekend.

The South London Press understands the Eagles submitted an initial £12million plus £3m in add-ons for the Scotland international.

Doak has eight goal contributions in 21 Championship outings this season in his first senior loan spell.

“Nothing’s changed,” said ex-Manchester United midfielder Carrick. 

“Loans are loans – that’s how it is. In terms of the situation, it’s exactly where we are.

“He played today, looked dangerous and created a goal. It is what it is. Nothing has changed from our point of view. I’m pretty calm about it.

“He played today, he played well in spells and looked really dangerous. I have no worries about that.

“January can throw up different things. Sometimes you can keep players and sometimes you can lose players or teams come in for your players, that’s just how it is. Everyone is important but we knew the situation when we got into it.”

PICTURE: ALAMY