MICHAEL CARRICK has reiterated Middlesbrough’s desire to strengthen their squad, with Micah Hamilton’s move from Manchester City expected to be confirmed before the weekend.

Boro have agreed a deal to sign Hamilton on a permanent basis, with City officials having sanctioned the 20-year-old’s departure from the Etihad Stadium.

Hamilton, who can play right across the forward line but who has initially been signed to provide competition for Isaiah Jones in a wide-attacking position on the right, is understood to have completed a medical with Boro.

Carrick did not want to discuss the England Under-20-international specifically when he held a press conference yesterday to preview this weekend’s season opener against Swansea City, but he confirmed that attempts to bring in further additions are ongoing.

Boro are also hoping to sign a new forward before the end of the month, with Bristol City’s Tommy Conway still their preferred option despite competition from a number of their Championship rivals, and are keen to recruit another left-back with Alex Bangura set to be sidelined for the vast majority of the season after undergoing Achilles surgery.

“We’ll see what happens,” said Carrick, when asked about the current transfer situation. “It’s largely out of my hands in some ways. I’m focused on the game and preparing the boys for the game.

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“If something happens that we think can improve the group and make it stronger then of course we’ll act on it, and we are trying to, but right now, I’m just looking forward to the game on Saturday.

“Every club is trying to bring new players in, but, for us, it’s got to be the right players, the right personality, right for the rest of the group.

“We’re really happy with the group we’ve got. I’ve said for a number of weeks now, the way we’ve strengthened and grown together, having been together for a number of weeks now, we feel in a good place and I’m happy with the way things are. If we can improve on that, even better.”

Carrick would not be drawn on a timescale for Hamilton’s potential arrival, but there is understood to be optimism that a deal could be completed before Boro’s lunchtime kick-off tomorrow.

“I can’t say anything yet in terms of any player, not just the one you’ve just mentioned (Hamilton),” said the Boro boss. “Until they’re our player, it’s not the right thing to do for me to comment on it.”

Hamilton would need to be registered as a Boro player by 12pm today in order to play any part in tomorrow’s game with Swansea.