Middlesbrough manager provides update on contract situation of red-hot striker Akpom 

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has provided an update on the contract situation of Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom.

The Arsenal-reared striker is in the last six months of his contract but Boro hold the option to extend his deal by an additional twelve months. 

Akpom is in the best form of his career with eight goals in eight appearances since the appointment of Carrick as coach of Middlesbrough.

The 27-year-old, who trained with the Super Eagles in London ahead of a canceled friendly with Burkina Faso, is the joint top scorer in the Championship with 12 goals. 

Things have not been that rosy for Akpom as he was sent to train with Boro's development squad in the summer after returning from a loan spell at Greek club PAOK, but was brought back into the first team after the club struggled to sign a striker. 

Other teams will be monitoring the situation of Akpom, ready to pounce on him if he does not extend his stay.

"He’s just got himself a hat-trick so he’s going to be knocking on the door asking for one, isn’t he?! I’m joking, of course," Carrick was quoted as saying by TeessideLive. 

"We’re relaxed about that and I’m sure that will be sorted in due course.” 

Akpom scored his first career league hat-trick on Boxing Day in Boro's 4-1 rout of Wigan Athletic. 

Igho Kingsley 

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