Michael Carrick comments on January window with Middlesbrough eyeing Leeds United duo

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Middlesbrough are being linked with Leeds United duo Luke Ayling and Charlie Cresswell with the January window underway – and manager Michael Carrick has commented on his plans this month.

Boro and Leeds have already done business this season, with Carrick raiding Leeds for Sam Greenwood in the summer. A deal that includes a permanent option, worth a bargain £1.5m for the versatile attacker.

But Boro want more Leeds players. Ayling has fallen down the pecking order. Archie Gray, Djed Spence and even Jamie Shackleton have started over Ayling on the right flank under Daniel Farke this season.

While, Cresswell is really struggling to play. He has only managed to be a part of the matchday squad in three of the last 16 Championship matches. Boro are eyeing Ayling, who is out of a contract in June.

Cresswell, meanwhile, has loan interest from Rangers, Sunderland, Ipswich and Boro. Carlton Palmer says Boro would be Cresswell’s best fit. Carrick was asked about his plans for January on Thursday.

“Yeah, well we’re always looking to add, every club is,” Carrick said, as quoted by the YEP. “Not always easy at this time of year but we’re always trying to improve. There is the balance of not a knee-jerk.

“Just because someone is out for a couple of weeks doesn’t mean get someone in. Doesn’t always fit. Players coming back, should be a lot stronger in the coming weeks. We’ll see how January develops.”

Michael Carrick comments with Middlesbrough eyeing Leeds duo

Moves to Boro – permanent for Ayling, loan for Cresswell – would be perfect. Ayling needs a move and realistically, he is going to leave at the end of the season, so he might as well consider a move, now.

Phil Hay does not expect Ayling – or Liam Cooper, or Stuart Dallas – to get new deals. He may want to hang around as Leeds look to get the job of promotion done at the first attempt but he does need to go.

Cresswell is different. He has just signed a new long-term Leeds deal and has the potential to be the future of this Leeds defence, for years. There are murmurs he could go permanently – that can’t happen.