Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that Liverpool will not be recalling their on-loan youngster Ben Doak this month.
The 19-year-old winger has made an impression on Championship outfit this season, deploying on the right wing of Carrick's 4-2-3-1 system contributing directly to nine league goals.
Doak attracted interest from a number of clubs earlier this month, with Crystal Palace believed to have tabled a £15m bid in their search for a replacement for Michael Olise. However, Liverpool valued the teenager at a whopping £30 million.
There was a risk that the Reds could withdraw Doak in January, six months earlier than expected, to either sell him or seek his services in the first team. However, Carrick revealed that the deadline for any return has passed.
“I said all along I was cool!” THE Middlesbrough the boss laughed.
“Obviously we're really happy he's here, but really, it hasn't been a big deal for us. He showed again tonight how dangerous he is and then he scored a great goal. It's something he can to do a little more, come in on his left leg, because it's something he's also happy about.
“He has that unique weapon and threat. The way he plays the game, everyone has their strengths, but the way Ben plays the game, he's always on and always a threat. We're happy that he He's going to stay here. He's a big role and he's going to continue to do that for as long as he's here.”
Ipswich Town and Bournemouth were also reportedly interested in the fleet-footed forward.
Arne Slot won't be able to use the teenage phenom until next season, when there may be a vacancy in the Liverpoolfront line if Mohamed Salah leaves the club for free tRANSFER this summer.