Middlesbrough now fear losing Michael Carrick this summer with Crystal Palace, Leicester City and West Ham United all interested.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, who claim that interest in Carrick is now building.
It’s suggested that Leicester City have joined the list of admirers after Carrick’s impressive season.
Leicester recently parted ways with Brendan Rodgers and are now seeking a long-term appointment for the summer.
There is a similar story at Crystal Palace, who have brought back Roy Hodgson as a short-term replacement for Patrick Vieira.
The report claims that the biggest interest is actually coming from West Ham United.
West Ham are allegedly planning to move on from David Moyes at the end of the season, whether they stay up or not.
A transition to a young, up-and-coming manager appears to be West Ham’s target and Carrick fits the bill.
Three clubs chasing Carrick is leaving Boro sweating but he is currently understood to be ‘very happy’ at the Riverside Stadium.
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West Ham could be an emotional pull for Michael Carrick
Whilst Carrick was born up in the North East, he actually came through the West Ham ranks.
The 41-year-old joined West Ham as a teenager from the famed Wallsend Boys Club and became a first-team player.
Carrick recorded more than 150 first-team appearances for West Ham, bagging six goals in the process.
A move to London rivals Tottenham didn’t exactly go down well back in 2004 but Carrick may feel a certain sense of unfinished business.
Heading back to East London may well appeal to Carrick but much will depend on Middlesbrough’s fate.
Boro are gunning for promotion to the Premier League and will be one of the playoff favourites.
If Carrick takes Boro up, it’s hard to imagine that he will leave – even if a somewhat emotional return to West Ham is on offer.
In other news, ‘What a signing’: Alan Shearer lauds Arsenal transfer target Kaoru Mitoma
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