According to Football Transfer report, Crystal Palace have set their sights on Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick as a possible replacement for Roy Hodgson. The Eagles may want to bring in the former Manchester United midfielder at the end of the season, when Hodgson’s contract expires.
Hodgson’s future in the English capital was uncertain last month, as Palace went winless in the league since early November until late December. But a 3-1 win over Brentford eased some of the pressure on the former England boss – and Palace may give him more time to prove himself.
Football Transfers also claim that Crystal Palace have considered other candidates for the top job at Selhurst Park, such as Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper, who impressed at the City Ground before leaving earlier this season.
Another name on their radar is Burnley boss Vincent Kompany, who has faced a tough challenge at Turf Moor this term, with the newly-promoted Clarets languishing in the relegation zone. Some fans have criticised Kompany for freezing out some of last season’s key players, despite their promotion heroics.
Michael Carrick Open To Premier League Move If Middlesbrough Miss Out On Promotion
Michael Carrick has shown loyalty to Boro in the past, despite attracting interest from other clubs. He never seemed eager to leave the Riverside. But Football Transfers report that Carrick may be tempted by a move to the Premier League at the end of the season, if Boro fail to secure promotion.
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Carrick has done a remarkable job since taking over at the Riverside, leading the club from the bottom half of the table to the play-offs in his first season, before losing in the semi-finals. He has also kept them in contention for the play-offs this season, despite a slow start.
They are currently just one point behind the top six, and have shown resilience and quality throughout the season.
Middlesbrough Must Secure Carrick’s Future To Ward Off Crystal Palace Interest
Owner Steve Gibson must make it a priority to tie Carrick down to a new deal, as he is a valuable asset for Boro. They have performed well under his guidance, and have a realistic chance of reaching the play-offs again this term. It is no surprise that other clubs are interested in him.
But Boro have the stature and ambition to keep him, and if they can offer him a new contract that increases the compensation fee that Palace would have to pay, they may deter the top-flight club from pursuing him.
However, it is unclear whether Carrick is willing to sign an extension, or if he has his eyes on a Premier League move.
