Middlesbrough have set their sights on Leeds United’s Charlie Cresswell and Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall as a replacement for the injured Darragh Lenihan, according to The Sun.
The centre-back has been out of action since picking up an ankle injury in the 2-1 win over Southampton in September and it was revealed last month that he will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to fix the problem.
Carrick’s team have performed admirably in his absence, recovering from a poor start to move back into play-off contention, but the manager knows that he needs to bolster his squad in order to sneak into the top six. Yesterday’s 3-2 defeat at fellow promotion chasers Leeds United saw the Teesside club slip to 12th, but they remain just three points off Hull City in the final play-off spot.
It is claimed that the manager will be given the funds to add to his squad when the transfer window reopens in January and two players have been identified as potential targets. The report states that Boro may attempt a second raid on Leeds after picking up Sam Greenwood on a season-long deal in the summer, with 21-year-old Cresswell an option.
The young defender featured in the Whites’ opening two fixtures of the campaign but has made just two brief cameos since. As a result, a temporary move could be on the cards in the New Year, which would follow on from his successful loan spell at Millwall last season. However, it is said that Leeds may not want to strengthen a promotion rival, meaning Middlesbrough may look elsewhere.
Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall’s situation is being monitored after falling out of favour at the City Ground, despite starting the Premier League outfit’s first five games of the campaign. However, he has just 12 minutes of action to his name since September and a six-month move to Middlesbrough may appeal as a way of playing regular first team football.
Meanwhile, Carrick will have to contend with a potentially make-or-break next two fixtures. First up is the visit of title-chasing Ipswich Town next Saturday before Hull visit the Riverside Stadium four days later.
Writer’s View
It was inevitable that Middlesbrough would look to add to their squad in January as they try to escape the division. They will be looking to take advantage of their recent good relationship with Leeds, but it does appear unlikely that Daniel Farke would be willing to sanction a second player exit to a team also chasing promotion.
Joe Worrall is a player who makes sense, especially on a temporary deal. At 26-years-old, he is a player with Championship and Premier League experience but is under contract at Forest until 2026. A loan move would work for the player and both clubs in question.
Head of Writing
