MICHAEL CARRICK is aware of the ongoing speculation linking him with a possible move to West Ham United, but the Middlesbrough head coach insists he could not be happier with his current role at the Riverside.

David Moyes’ job as West Ham boss is hanging by a thread with his side just one point clear of the relegation zone, with the Hammers’ travelling fans having called for his head during last weekend’s 4-0 capitulation at the hands of Brighton.

Carrick, who spent five years as a West Ham player at the start of his career, has been touted as a potential replacement for Moyes after impressing during his first four-and-a-half months in management with Middlesbrough.

The North-Easterner has also been linked with another of his former clubs, Tottenham, in the last 24 hours, with Antonio Conte expected to walk away from Spurs when his contract expires in the summer, but while Carrick is aware of the ongoing chatter, he insists he could not be happier with his current position.

“I’m delighted to be here,” said the Boro boss, who takes his side to south Wales this weekend to face Swansea City. “Why wouldn’t I be? We’ve got a terrific club and a terrific group of players, and I’m loving working with them. I’m looking forward to a big end to the season.

“In some ways it’s pleasing (to be linked with Premier League clubs), but to be honest, I don’t really listen to it or watch it. It’s not something that really bothers me.

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“We judge what we do here ourselves, and we’re our harshest critics in some ways, within the group. We judge myself, the players and the staff by the criteria that we just want to get better.

“What goes on, on the outside, goes on, on the outside. Over the years, I’ve kind of hardened myself to that. I don’t tend to pay too much attention to it. I obviously know what’s going on, but I’m just loving being here at the moment, with the players and staff, and the club in a really good place.”

Carrick readily admits that his formative years at West Ham were the making of him, and the Hammers will always hold a special place in his heart.

However, far from coveting Moyes’ job, the Boro boss insists he is desperately hoping the current West Ham boss, who was his manager for a brief spell at Manchester United, makes a success of things at the London Stadium.

“I started at West Ham as a young boy and it’s a fantastic football club, but I know David well, played under him and have huge respect for him,” said Carrick. “I think for me to comment on anything would be hugely unfair, and I wouldn’t do that.

“What I will say is that I hope they have a fantastic end to the season with David and the club because it’s a fantastic place and David is a good man. I really wish them all the success.”