Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that he has “already” talked to Chuba Akpom about extending his contract at the Riverside Stadium.

Carrick has only been in the Boro hot seat for less than two weeks but he has recognised Akpom’s importance to the team and he wants the former Arsenal player to remain on Teesside for the long term:

“We’ve talked already, it’s only natural, you need to have a plan. It’s very early but you get a quick feeling. That’s up to me and the club to plan for, the more people play well, the easier it is.”

Akpom’s current deal expires at the end of the season and there are likely to be plenty of other clubs keeping an eye on his situation, considering his excellent form in the Championship this campaign.

The 27-year-old has scored six goals in just 11 league appearances, with two of those coming in Carrick’s first two matches in charge, bagging the opener in the 2-1 defeat to Preston, as well as the first in the 3-1 victory over Hull City.

Carrick will be hoping that Akpom continues hitting the back of the net when Middlesbrough take on Bristol City tomorrow.