MICHAEL Carrick says he views summer speculation linking Middlesbrough's key players with major moves away as a compliment rather than something to be concerned about.

The head coach believes interest - reported or genuine - in his players is evidence that Boro are on the right track, both in terms of coaching and recruitment.

Boro lost star forward Chuba Akpom 12 months ago and his replacement Morgan Rogers left for Aston Villa in January in a big-money move, despite only signing for £1m last summer.

Rav van den Berg, another of last year's arrivals, was already on the radar of several of Europe's biggest clubs and is bound to attract interest moving forward after his outstanding first season on Teesside, while Hayden Hackney has been watched by Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Tottenham.

Clubs will no doubt have taken note of Emmanuel Latte Lath's blistering end to the season, though his agent last week insisted the striker, who is happy and settled at Boro, is not in the market for a summer move.

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It's not clear at this stage whether any clubs will firm up their interest in van den Berg and Hackney with bids this summer. It goes without saying that Carrick wants to keep the duo and build his side around the Dutch defender and Redcar-born midfielder next term, but he won't lose any sleep over transfer speculation linking the pair - or any of his other players - with moves away.

If anything, it strengthens his belief that Boro are on to something good.

“Speculation is natural really and I certainly take it as a compliment of the work we’re doing as a club," he said.

"If we’ve got players that teams are looking at and interested in and are seen as exciting to watch, then that speaks highly of what we’re doing here and comes with the territory.

"If you’re building and helping develop good young players in an exciting football. It’s not so much that it gives us confidence in what we’re doing, it’s about having that trust in the process.

"Of course we want to keep the players we have here and develop as much as we can though. That doesn’t change from my point of view."

Boro last week confirmed the exits of Paddy McNair and goalkeeper Liam Roberts. Fellow keeper Jamie Jones' contract is due to expire this summer but the 35-year-old, who is currently getting treatment on a shoulder injury at Rockliffe, could yet agree an extension and stay.

Boro are expected to kick-start their summer business with the permanent signing of Luke Ayling, with a central midfielder also an early priority. A striker and forward are also on the club's radar this summer.

Another crucial deal will be finalised in the summer, with Carrick's new contract expected to be confirmed.