MICHAEL Carrick says it won't necessarily be a case of one out, one in as Middlesbrough look to replace last season's star man Chuba Akpom.

The ex-Arsenal man completed his £12m switch to Dutch giants Ajax this week, and while Boro brought in Emmanuel Latte Lath, the Ivorian striker wasn't identified as a replacement for last season's top scorer, with the Championship club having been in the market for an out and out striker regardless of how Akpom's situation had played out.

Boro are still looking to bring in forward players between now and the transfer deadline on September 1, but Carrick says it's not necessarily as simple as attempting to sign a like-for-like replacement for Akpom.

Against Huddersfield on Saturday, the head coach opted to drop Morgan Rogers into the deeper No.10 role, with the summer signing having led the line for the first two games of the season. Carrick has several versatile players and options across his forward line, but Boro still look a couple of attackers short, particularly with the head coach keen for Josh Coburn to benefit from another spell out on loan.

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"It's not always like for like," said Carrick when quizzed on how Boro will approach replacing Akpom.

"There's a process and an ongoing evolution of the team and squad. One player doesn't necessarily flip that.

"It's a balancing act and sometimes one player isn't for one. Sometimes it might be three players for one, it depends what we need as a squad.

"We'll be working over the next couple of weeks to see if we can improve just like everybody else."

Carrick was asked whether Akpom's exit meant there'll be more spending power available in the final fortnight of the window, but smiled as he replied: "It's not my money."