The Boro striker has been in fine form this season, scoring 13 goals and providing one assist. Nine of those goals have come in the 10 matches under Carrick.

Middlesbrough have exercised a 12-month extension in Akpom’s contract, to keep him at the club until the summer of 2024. His form this term has attracted interest, with Premier League outfit Southampton reportedly keen to sign the player.

"He's our player. We're delighted to have Chuba. He's been terrific since I came through the door,” said Carrick.

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom in action during the Sky Bet Championship between Middlesbrough and Birmingham City at Riverside Stadium on October 05, 2022 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

"He's obviously got his headlines with the goals but he's given us a lot more than that. He's a player we're delighted to have.

"The nature of the game is when players are playing well - individually and as a team - people look from outside trying to make their squads better. That's the nature of the beast. We don't want to lose our best players at all because we feel we're going in the right direction. That's football. Everyone is trying to improve as we are trying to do ourselves."

Carrick hopes to further bolster his squad this month after Cameron Archer became his first signing as Boro boss on Friday.

The striker has made seven appearances for Villa this term and will join Carrick’s squad on loan for the remainder of 2022-23 Championship season, having enjoyed a successful loan stint in the division last year.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Michael Carrick, Manager of Middlesbrough, looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship between Birmingham City and Middlesbrough at St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Archer scored seven goals in 20 appearances for Preston during the second half of last season after joining the club on January 24.

The player was one of a number of targets that Boro had been in discussions with.

"There are a few players we like and would like to bring in. I don't like speaking about individuals until it's done. It's not fair on other clubs and the player. We're definitely looking to improve the squad and we have things going on at the moment, hopefully that will bear fruit,” added Carrick.

"I'm open to strengthening wherever we can strengthen. We have our eyes wide open and are looking at the bigger picture."

Michael Carrick relaxed over Chuba Akpom future amid Premier League interest in Middlesbrough star