MICHAEL CARRICK is looking forward to working with Dan Barlaser, with the midfielder’s move from Rotherham United expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

Barlaser was an interested observer as he watched Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win over Watford this afternoon from a seat in the directors’ box at the Riverside.

Boro have agreed a deal with Rotherham that will see them pay a fee of £900,000, with Barlaser set to sign a three-and-a-half year deal.

Barlaser will provide some central-midfield competition for Jonny Howson and Hayden Hackney, with Carrick claiming that a number of different factors have resulted in Boro’s recruitment team pushing through a deal for the Gateshead-born 26-year-old.

“It comes down to a number of things,” said the Boro boss. “Alex (Mowatt) has been around it, and he’s done well when he’s come on and played, but we understand what kind of positions we’ve wanted to strengthen and what kind of players and things we’re looking for in certain positions.

“It comes down to the character and attitude, and what they can bring to the group, and as a midfielder for how we want to play, Dan fits that perfectly.

“When we had the chance and the opportunity to do it, I’m delighted with the way things have gone. I’m looking forward to working with him and trying to help him improve. He’s delighted to have the opportunity to come and learn, and be part of the team.

“It’s not just about the pitch, and bringing a certain player in, it’s about what goes around the whole situation. He fits. I’ve said before that we’re really specific about what we’re after in certain positions, and it’s not just about taking a good player because they’re a good player. There’s more behind it than that, and Dan fits that perfectly.”

Barlaser started his career in Newcastle’s academy, and first caught Carrick’s eye as he was making his way through the Magpies’ youth system.

“I’ve been aware of him,” said the Boro boss. “I’ve known of him for a while, with him being at Newcastle and coming through. There’s certain styles of players that catch your eye, and that you can understand what they can bring in certain situations and certain positions. He’s always one that I’ve had an eye on.”

Boro are looking to move on Rodrigo Muniz ahead of Tuesday night’s transfer deadline – Fulham are willing to cut short the striker’s loan deal on Teesside provided he can then be sent somewhere else for the second half of the season – but at this stage, Carrick does not envisage anyone else leaving in the next few days.

“I can’t really see anyone leaving at this moment in time, but you never know what might come up,” he said. “As I sit here, I’d say no (whether anything will happen), but I can’t say that as the gospel truth because I can’t.”