Carrick has lost Darragh Lenihan following his ankle operation.
But he will get funds for a top replacement, ideally on loan, for the promotion push.
Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall and Leeds’ Charlie Cresswell are in their sights.
Worrall, 26, is currently out of favour at Forest and a loan may work for both him and the club.
Cresswell, 21, is on the fringe of the Leeds side but they may be unwilling to help a promotion rival.
Middlesbrough endured a sticky start to the season after their strong finish under Carrick last year.
Losing the likes of top scorer Chuba Akpom over the summer hit the club hard.
And it took Carrick’s side until September 23 to pick up its first win in the Championship this season.
Since then they have stormed to eight wins in all which currently has them in 12th in the table.
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However, this position is deceiving with just three points separating them from the play-off spots.
Former Man Utd assistant Carrick is up against ex-colleague Kieran McKenna who is at the helm of high-flyers Ipswich next.
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