Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick admitted he can't do anything about other clubs wanting his players.

Boro have lost several first team stars since their playoff run in the Championship last season.

As Aston Villa explore a transfer for Morgan Rogers, Carrick hopes he can keep his squad together.

Speaking ahead of a Carabao Cup semi final second leg against Chelsea this week, Carrick told GazetteLive: “Whether there is interest in the players or not is irrelevant really.

"If there is, fine, but it doesn't affect what I do and what the players do. It's always just about preparing for the next game. If that interest is there then it does show that we've got good players. That's natural.

"If you've got good players, other teams might look. We do it to other teams and it's how the game works really. I think every individual is different and every situation is different. It's always very complex, never straightforward and what's right for each individual is never the same.

"I'm well aware of that. Sometimes things are in your control and sometimes things are a little further out of your control, but everyone is totally different and you just have to judge each individual scenario for what it is."