MICHAEL CARRICK says the surprise departure of Jamie Jones has not affected Middlesbrough’s transfer plans for the remainder of the summer.

Jones opted not to re-sign for Boro at the end of last week, instead signing a contract with League Two side Salford City.

The 35-year-old was Boro’s third-choice goalkeeper last season, and the expectation was that he would remain as part of the squad for the new campaign.

The Teessiders still have four senior goalkeepers on their books – Seny Dieng, Zach Hemming, Sol Brynn and Tom Glover – but it is hard to imagine any of the quartet being happy with a role as a non-playing number three. Nevertheless, Carrick claims there are currently no plans to sign a direct replacement for Jones.

“It (Jones’ departure) doesn’t really have to change our plans,” said the Boro boss. “We’ve got good goalkeepers here and it’s good to have good and healthy competition. It doesn’t change from the outfield players. You’ve just got to manage the balance. But it hasn’t changed an awful lot at this stage.”

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Boro have already made three additions this summer, turning Luke Ayling’s initial loan move into a permanent transfer and also bringing in Aidan Morris and Delano Burgzorg.

The trio were all recruited ahead of the training break to Portugal, with Carrick understandably delighted to have completed a big chunk of his summer business at such an early stage of the window.

“It makes a big difference and is something we were obviously keen to do,” he said. “We worked hard towards the end of last season to try and do that. You can see today (in the friendly win over Bolton) the benefit of having them in early, learning and getting used to how we do things. You could see them asking questions during the game, which is what we want.

“The earlier you can get them in the better, and the fact they’ve been around from the start is great. We don’t expect too much too early. Some boys will settle quick, some take time to adjust. We’ll be patient and we’ll work with them because they’re good players and they’ve settled in great so far.”

Boro have not sold anyone yet this summer, and while one or two fringe players could depart, there is a strong determination to hold on to the club’s leading assets.

Head of football, Kieran Scott, has spelled out the hierarchy’s intention to retain Rav van den Berg, Hayden Hackney and Emmanuel Latte Lath despite outside interest in all three players, which is music to Carrick’s ears.

“We’re building towards something, and you can see the boys enjoy it here,” said the Boro boss. “They’re at different stages of their careers and we want to help them achieve success. It’s good to hear (that there are no plans to sell).”