Boro 'in control' over Latte Lath future - Carrick

Emmanuel Latte Lath made his Ivory Coast debut in June

Middlesbrough are not getting involved in any of the speculation surrounding the future of joint-top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath, says head coach Michael Carrick.

The forward has scored eight goals in the Championship this season and 24 in 37 league starts since joining from Atalanta in August last year.

"It's [the speculation] not coming from us - we're looking to be successful and we've built a good squad and we've got a lot of options so it's pretty clear where we stand," Carrick told BBC Radio Tees.

"We're in control of things to a large extent in terms of the group of players we've got and what January looks like.

"There's always decisions to be made and that's sometimes for different reasons but we're happy with the squad we've got and we want to come out of January as strong, if not stronger than when we are going into it - and we'll do everything we can to do that."

Latte Lath has more than two years to run on the four-year contract he signed, but was the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Ipswich Town in August.

Middlesbrough are sixth in the Championship and face games against Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley before the January transfer window opens.

"You've got to be realistic in terms of where we are and what other leagues or teams are out there, but certainly for us we're pushing, striving, fighting for every inch we can to improve as a group," said Carrick.

"I just want to keep getting better and keep trying to add and improve the squad as much as we can and see where that takes us."