MICHAEL Carrick and Middlesbrough's recruitment team are on the same page when it comes to priorities in this summer's transfer window, with the head coach echoing the thoughts of Kieran Scott in stressing the desire to focus on quality rather than quantity. Carrick says he wants to add "a few bits" to his squad as Boro's boss plots a Championship promotion push next term. The former Manchester United and England midfielder, who this week committed his future to Boro by signing a new three-year contract , was delighted to kick-start the summer with the permanent capture of Luke Ayling, who was so impressive during a half-season loan at the Riverside from January.
And attention has quickly shifted to further strengthening the squad in three priority positions. After an overhaul 12 months ago, there's far less work required in the coming window, with the focus instead on adding quality to a squad that finished last season in encouraging fashion with just one defeat in their last 12 games. A central midfielder, a striker and a versatile forward player who is at home playing at No.
10 are top of the wishlist after the early breakthrough, with left-back an area that could be addressed as well. On the right, Ayling, says Carrick, adds crucial balance on the pitch and in the dressing room. “I feel like we’ve got a settled squad, or certainly a nucleus of that," the head coach told the club website.
"Obviously bringing Luke [Ayling] in last week was a big boost for us all. The imp.
