West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham sent transfer update in race for 'thriving' £30m Championship star

West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham have been sent an update in the transfer race for Middlesbrough winger Ben Doak as the 19-year-old proves to be a man in hot demand this month.

The Boro forward is on loan at the Riverside Stadium from Liverpool and has turned heads in the Championship so far this season. Doak has two goals and six assists this term and laid on Emmanuel Latte Lath's goal in the 1-1 draw against Cardiff City last weekend.

It had been reported that Crystal Palace were frontrunners to sign Doak this window, with Liverpool holding the ability to recall the player if they do want to cash in on the rising star. The Hartlepool Mail has also named West Ham and Fulham as interested parties with the Reds believed to be willing to sanction a sale for a fee of £30 million.

Middlesbrough ‘calm’ over Crystal Palace and West Ham transfer talk

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick was asked about rumours this week as he prepared to welcome Blackburn Rovers to the Riverside in FA Cup action on Saturday. He said: "He [Doak] is absolutely fine, no problem, no difference. He just gets on with his work as he has from day one. It suits him here. It's a good place to be, he's enjoying his football, he's learning, developing, having a great experience. I've got nothing but positive things to say about Ben.

“There's no denying some of it is out of our hands but I'm really calm and content. Hopefully it plays out and we're all happy and we still have Ben. We're in a good place and it's a good place for him."

Doak is a graduate of the Celtic youth academy but signed for Liverpool in March 2022. He made just 10 senior appearances for the Reds before his loan to Middlesbrough this season.

Crystal Palace have a proven record when it comes to helping EFL talents transition into the top flight with Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi all impressing at Selhurst Park. The Eagles made a similar January swoop for Blackburn Rovers man Adam Wharton last January, who has since gone on to earn international recognition with England.

The Mirror had claimed that Liverpool may look to leverage Palace interest in Doak to help their pursuit of Guehi. The Reds are one of the top flight sides said to be preparing a January move for the England international and 'may look to include the Scot in any deal' to tempt Crystal Palace to let the player leave.

Ben Doak thriving on loan in Championship

Doak has been regularly praised by Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick this season. The ex Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd player told BBC Radio Tees: “It’s everything you want. In terms of the level (he’s reached), it’s very difficult to envision something happening so quickly. There’s no getting away from it, Ben’s having a really good time of it at the moment. He’s playing some good football and looking dangerous.

"The opportunity for him to come here and play and be part of the squad - he’s obviously confident. We know his strengths, it’s pretty obvious what he’s good at and he’s taken that on to Scotland as well.

"We're really pleased with him, but for us it doesn’t change anything. It’s a long season so we’re certainly not getting carried away but it’s great to see him thriving at the moment. Then obviously going to Scotland and having an impact for them, it’s fantastic for Ben and great for us that he's with us and playing so well.

"We have still got to be careful, he’s still young, we have got to manage him and preparing him for going through the whole season."