Middlesbrough have shown interest in signing Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist, 21, who spent last season on loan at Championship rivals Sheffield United. (Yorkshire Post), external
Read Friday's full gossip column for more EFL transfer rumours
What could Rob Edwards bring to Middlesbrough?
Former Luton Town boss Rob Edwards is tipped to fill the vacant managerial role at Middlesbrough - but what can the 42-year-old bring to the role?
Edwards led the Hatters to promotion but subsequently couldn't keep them in the Premier League and struggled again on their return to the Championship.
As a consequence, he left Luton in January, but BBC Radio 3CR's Geoff Doyle told BBC Radio Tees that his time away will have done the former Aston Villa defender much good upon his potential return to the second tier.
"It looked to me that Rob needed a break from football. It felt like he needed months off just to sort himself out," Doyle said.
"I think this time off would have really helped him, recharged the batteries.
"Coach-wise, he needs time. He needs to work on his system and how he wants to play at Boro.
"Tactically and as a coach, he's decent. I'm just hoping that the break would have given him a new lease of life and that he's back to his normal best."
Listen to the full discussion and more on BBC Sounds.
Image source, Getty ImagesMiddlesbrough are in advanced talks with Rob Edwards, 42, to replace Michael Carrick as head coach. Edwards is believed to have been one of three main names on Boro's shortlist, including Steve Cooper and Danny Rohl. (Sky Sports), external
Boro and Birmingham City have emerged as two of as many as 10 Championship clubs battling to sign Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone, 21, after the Ivorian netted 18 goals in League One last season. (EFL Analysis), external
Want more transfer news and rumours from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's full gossip column
Craig Johns on Michael Carrick's departure
Michael Carrick's sacking by Middlesbrough has split opinions.
The 43-year-old was heavily criticised for tactical inflexibility and failing to guide Boro into a play-off place in a low-scoring season, but also drew sympathy for losing key players such as Emmanuel Latte Lath and Ben Doak.
While arguments could be made either way, journalist Craig Johns says the lack of unity demonstrates why he feels the decision to sack Carrick was the right one.
"I can understand why there is division in the fan base and I think that in itself suggests it probably is the right decision," Gazette reporter Johns told BBC Radio Tees.
"What Boro need right now is everyone united, everyone together, everyone on the same front. Ultimately going into the new season with a bit of hope.
"If Michael Carrick was still in charge, you very much get the impression that while half of the fan base would have been happy with that, half wouldn't."
As for the timing of Carrick's departure, Johns does not believe it will affect Boro's work in the transfer window.
"We know Boro did have a plan going into the summer, they've already identified five positions they feel need to be strengthened and the targets they would be interested in," he added.
"I can't imagine that will change much with a different manager."
Listen to the full discussion and more on BBC Sounds.
Were Middlesbrough right to sack Michael Carrick?
Middlesbrough's failure to reach the Championship play-offs is what ultimately cost Michael Carrick his job.
That is the view of Boro's BBC Radio Tees commentator Mark Drury and former midfielder Neil Maddison.
"Since they got to the play-offs, it's a story of regression," Drury told BBC Radio Tees.
"Basically, that's it. Boro have been going backwards. This season in isolation was a massive failure.
"To not reach the play-offs this season with the squad that had been assembled last August, with the make-up of the Championship as it was - to not get there was a failure and it was a big one."
Maddison agreed and said the club have "gone backwards" since they lost 1-0 on aggregate to Coventry in the play-off semi-final in May 2023.
"There were so many factors leading up to why it hasn't been a successful season," Maddison said.
"There wasn't enough. For me this season, it's one of those where I haven't really enjoyed watching us in terms of the football, the results.
"Go back to his [Carrick's] first season, I've never seen anything like it. It's the best football I've seen at the Riverside in my opinion. It was so exciting.
"But since then, we have gone backwards. And if you don't push on, this is the outcome."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you what you thought about Middlesbrough's decision to sack boss Michael Carrick and it's fair to say there are some mixed feelings out there.
Here's what you had to say:
Tony: I think Carrick took us as far as he could. Started last season brilliantly, full out attack but it soon dropped off and became a boring possession team playing around our own box with no idea, then had no plan B and we were punished far too often. Would like to see Steve Cooper take over, he's a proven Championship winner.
Daniel: I think seeing Carrick is one of the better midfielders of his generation, he should have been given one more chance. His ball-playing ability and vision as a player clearly translated as a manager and results on the pitch improved vastly.
Martin: Yes it was time to go. The football was too laboured and he was too slow in adapting to the opposition's changes which cost us.
It really did end up a chore watching his tippy-tappy football and lots of fans like myself lost interest.
We lost 24 points from winning positions last season.
He's a great bloke but had taken the club as far as he could as he was too stubborn to change things.
Stuart: Sacking Carrick was not a good move. Like building a team you also build your managers/management rather than leave them to get on with things. Carrick has a lot more to offer and he will not be replaced by anyone better.
Craig: Shame it never worked out for Carrick but with no plan B we were sussed out by other teams. This club deserves to be in the top flight but it's been refreshing to see attacking football in the Championship rather than defensive grind in the Premier League. Sometimes grinding out wins is necessary in the Championship though, a la Bristol City, Coventry, Millwall etc. The season crumbled when Doak got injured but we shouldn't rely on a teenager on loan, and again selling our best players (ELL) was a big mistake. Hopefully no more talent will be allowed to leave again. Would like to see Mogga given another chance for his home club.
Dan: Understand the frustration with his in-game management and inexperience, but the question is who can we get next that's a step up? Carrick's style was entertaining, even when we weren't getting results. I can't go back to watching the sort of football we had under Wilder or Pulis.
Jerry: I think it was the right call to sack Carrick. He was determined to play a certain way, which is admirable, but he should have changed the team formation when the game needed it. He could have shown a bit more passion on the touchline.
Mark: Although the season was disappointing I feel the stewardship under Carrick has mostly been positive. I feel like the instability caused by changing the management team again when a promotion push next year is not beyond Middlesbrough could end up being short-sighted. The Championship is such a competitive league it does not take much to be towards the top or the bottom of the table. Will be happy to be proven wrong though!
Jack: It was definitely an announcement that no one was expecting but a lot of fans were certainly losing patience. It is probably the right time as well before pre-season and a transfer window.
Malcolm: The decision to sack Carrick is a mistake. The major problem this season was the injury list. So many key players out for long periods. Plus the sale of Latte Lathe. A new manager will be starting from scratch, whereas Carrick would just have needed a couple of new signings. Bringing back Doak will be important.
John: The new season is in eight weeks and transfer activity underway. Carrick's replacement has not been immediately announced. How long is the new manager going to get to prepare for 2025-26, especially if a clear out is required? If last season was sub par four weeks ago, why not make a change then?
Listen to more reaction on BBC Sounds.
Boro fans react to Carrick departure
Michael Carrick came under fire after Middlesbrough lost out in the race for the Championship play-offs and now he will not have an opportunity to make amends next season.
He has been the subject of a surprise sacking, but is it the right choice, Boro fans?
Should he have been given another shot or was his number up?
Do you think now is a good time to be in search of a new boss?
