MIDDLESBROUGH are monitoring the free-agent market – and will consider bringing someone in to bolster their attacking ranks if an attractive proposition presents itself in the next few weeks.

The Teessiders held preliminary discussions over a number of different strikers last month, but the transfer window closed without them having recruited another forward.

Morgan Rogers left on deadline day, joining Aston Villa in a deal that could eventually be worth around £16m, with Matt Crooks also set to head through the exit door in the next couple of days as he moves to the United States to join MLS side Real Salt Lake.

The loss of both players reduces Boro’s attacking numbers at a time when Emmanuel Latte Lath remains sidelined through injury and Josh Coburn is having to be nursed through a groin issue, and earlier this week, head of football Kieran Scott hinted that the free-agent market could enable the club to increase their options at a minimal cost.

As things stand, no discussions have taken place, and a viable target is not believed to have been identified. However, Carrick admits the situation is being constantly monitored in case things change.

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“We’re always having conversations like that, and there’s no decisions made either way yet,” said the Boro boss. “There are always a lot of factors that come into it.

“We’re always open and our eyes are open if there is an opportunity there for us that we feel will improve us, help us or make things better, then yeah, of course, we’ll always look at it and look to take the opportunity.

“But it doesn’t change today to what the plan was before. It’s ongoing. Sometimes, things pop up that you don’t expect and we’ll act upon it.”