Reports suggest that Middlesbrough football club are hoping to secure the future of Michael Carrick on a long term contract as his name is again being linked with a role in the Premier League.
A report published by TEAMtalk has indicated that the Boro Head Coach is to be offered a fresh deal from the Teesside club before the end of the season to ward off any Premier League clubs who may be mooting the idea of approaching the former Manchester United man.
West Ham in particular are a club that continues to be linked with their former player and has been the subject of much discussion due to the current contract situation with David Moyes.
Current Hammers manager David Moyes’ contract expires in 2024 and there is yet to be an agreement with regards to what will happen thereafter. Moyes was successful in wining a trophy at West Ham last season, with the London side lifting the Europa Conference League title. It was generally seen as a triumph that saved his job with the club not performing particularly well in the League.
Carrick’s impressive start to management
However, Moyes has enjoyed a good start to the Premier League this season, with his outfit currently sitting in 9th position. Despite that, the report infers that the West Ham Technical Director Tim Steidten said to be on the lookout for a younger manager with a fresh approach.
Michael Carrick would no doubt fit that brief, having performed very well in his first full year as Boro boss, but his managerial career is still in it’s infancy and he is still in his first full-time role with Middlesbrough. It would be deemed a huge shock were he to move on so soon, especially given that it would be-despite briefly taking charge at Man Utd-a massive step up in roles.
Carrick is very much invested in the long term plan with Steve Gibson and Head of Football Kieran Scott and has unfinished business after narrowly missing out on promotion last year. A big turnaround in players meant a difficult start to the Championship this season, but he has since orchestrated a drastic improvement with his side winning 7 of the last 9, beating the irrepressible Leicester City in the process.
Moyes’ situation is key
The club are also in the last 8 of the Carabao Cup, with only Port Vale standing between them and a Semi-Final spot.
The other factor to consider when talking about the situation at West Ham, is what David Moyes will want to happen at the end of his contract. He may want to explore the possibility of another role at the club, a director of football or something similar. If the good form continues, he may well decide stay on as manager.
One thing is for sure, if Carrick continues to apply himself the way he has done so far with Middlesbrough, West Ham will not be the only interested party.