MICHAEL Carrick says Middlesbrough will address Chuba Akpom's contract situation before the end of the season.

The Championship's top scorer will be moving into the last 12 months of his deal on Teesside this summer, but Boro hope to agree an extension with the 27-year-old.

Akpom looked destined for the Boro exit door last summer after spending the previous season on loan in Greece, but he impressed Chris Wilder on his return, earning a surprise stay on Teesside and has been the division's star man since Carrick's appointment.

Akpom is happy at Boro and told earlier this season about how he feels he's found a football home, which, for a player who has had seven loan spells, is "all he's ever wanted."

As things stand, Carrick says there's nothing to report on Akpom's contract situation, but Boro officials and the striker's representatives will sit down before the season is out. And Boro are plotting ahead, with contract talks planned with other players as well.

“Sitting here, no there is nothing to update on right now," said Carrick.

"Listen, Chuba is obviously doing great for us and it’s something we are looking at between now and the end of the season. Not just Chuba but contracts for players moving ahead into the summer and next season.

"Individually though, there is no update to give you on Chuba."

Carrick leaves contract negotiations to club officials, but asked whether he hopes a new deal is agreed with Akpom, Carrick said: “Yeah. He’s done great, and we say this every week, but we’re always talking about him and for good reasons. He’s got a big part to play between now and the end of the season and we’re looking forward to seeing that between now and then.

"I have a lot of conversations with players in different ways. There are plenty of things we have to sort out and organise to be ready for games. As and when, we’ll get things sorted."

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Akpom is one away from becoming the first Boro player since Bernie Slaven in 1989/90 to hit 20 league goals in a season. In the Championship’s goal charts, the former Arsenal man is four goals clear of Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, who was last week labelled the Championship's Erling Haaland by Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray.

Ahead of tomorrow's visit of Reading, Akpom has six goals in his last six games for Boro.

“I certainly hope so," said Carrick, when asked about Akpom hitting the 20-goal mark.

"Nothing is a given in football, but I certainly hope so. He’s been fantastic and a massive part of what we’ve done. He’s been a huge threat for us and let’s hope it continues. There is no reason why not because he’s fit, he’s strong, he’s in a good place mentally and we’re looking forward to seeing more of the best of him."