Liverpool future for exciting young forward confirmed | OneFootball

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick confirmed that Liverpool would not be recalling their exciting young loanee Ben Doak this month.

The 19-year-old winger has impressed for the Championship outfit this season, establishing himself on the right wing of Carrick's 4-2-3-1 system by directly contributing to nine league goals.

Doak attracted interest from numerous clubs earlier this month, with Crystal Palace supposedly lodging a £15m bid in their search for a Michael Olise replacement. However, Liverpool valued the teenager at a lofty £30m.

There was the danger that the Reds would recall Doak in January, six months earlier than anticipated, in order to sell him or call upon his services in the first team. Yet, Carrick revealed that the deadline for any return has passed.

Ben Doak has been a two-way threat for Middlesbrough this season / Stu Forster/GettyImages

"I said all along I was calm!" the Middlesbrough boss laughed.

"Obviously we're really happy he's here, but genuinely, it hasn't been a big thing for us. He showed again tonight how dangerous he is and then scored a terrific goal. It's something he can do a little bit more, come inside onto his left foot, because it’s something he’s good at as well. I'm delighted with it.

"He's got that weapon and unique threat. The way he plays the game, everyone has their own strengths, but the way Ben plays the game, he's always in the game and always a threat. We're obviously happy he'll be staying here. He's a big role and he'll continue to do that for the time that 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 teen phenom until next season at the earliest, when there may be a vacant spot in Liverpool's frontline if Mohamed Salah leaves the club on a free transfer this summer.