Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is prepared to sell defenders Paddy McNair and Anfernee Dijksteel before the transfer window closes next week, according to reports.

Neither player has featured regularly since Carrick was appointed back in October, with the former Manchester United player favouring a four-man backline.

McNair has only started two games during Carrick’s tenure so far; the 1-0 win over Millwall and the 5-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup earlier this month.

The 27-year-old may get some more game time in upcoming fixtures, though, following Dael Fry’s red card in the 2-0 loss to Sunderland last weekend.

Dijksteel is even further out on the periphery. The Dutchman has not been in a matchday squad since the defeat to Burnley in December, and he has been restricted to just three cameo appearances in total. Out of the two, the fullback is the likeliest to leave ahead of deadline day next Tuesday.