Exclusive: Carlton Palmer reacts to talk involving West Ham and Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer spoke exclusively to Football League World about Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick

Pundit and former England international Carlton Palmer believes that Michael Carrick isn't in line to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United just yet despite being tipped to do so, although Middlesbrough's form in the Championship could well see him coveted in the not-too-distant future.

Following a mixed start to the 2024/25 Championship campaign, Middlesbrough have sprung into life in recent weeks and now appear decent value to gain promotion come May. They've enjoyed some electrifying form infront of goal across their last three matches in particular, bringing fresh attention to Carrick following an inconsistent season last time out.

After falling to a 3-0 defeat to Coventry City at the start of November, Boro thrashed QPR and Luton Town 4-1 and 5-1 prior to this month's international break before returning with a bang by putting Oxford United to the sword in an emphatic, goal-laden display which saw them eventually run out 6-2 victors at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday afternoon, inspired by an Emmanuel Latte Lath hattrick.

Boro's drastic recent uplift in form has taken them into the top-six and they currently find themselves in fifth place, just five points shy of league leaders Leeds United.

It's no surprise, then, that Carrick is being touted to be poached from the Riverside Stadium, having steadily established his reputation as one of the most promising and progressive young managers outside of the Premier League.

Middlesbrough's Michael Carrick tipped for West Ham job amid Julen Lopetegui pressure

Following the aforementioned win at Oxford over the weekend, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino tipped the ex-West Ham midfielder to land the job at his old club, describing him as an "obvious candidate" amid growing pressure surrounding current boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard only joined in the summer but has largely flattered to deceive, and it was reported earlier this month by talkSPORT that "several" Hammers players are not entirely on board with the boss. West Ham's Premier League form has been patchy, of course, although Lopetegui has surely brought himself much-needed time after guiding his side to a shock 2-0 victory away to Eddie Howe's Newcastle United on Monday evening.

In turn, that may just allay any potential fears regarding a return to East London for Carrick. Mind you, Carrick recently detailed his commitment to staying put at Middlesbrough, who are said to be confident the 43-year-old is going nowhere.

Carlton Palmer's Michael Carrick, West Ham verdict

Palmer believes that the Hammers' victory over Newcastle will have strengthened Lopetegui's chances at staying at the London Stadium for the time being, playing down any potential talk of Carrick replacing him just yet.

However, he has warned that the Boro boss could well be coveted, should he continue the side's mightily impressive form of late.

"Middlesbrough, after a slow start to the season, have now kicked into form and Michael Carrick is doing a fantastic job," Palmer exclusively told Football League World.

"I love the way he goes about his business quietly. He's not been blessed with loads of money in the transfer market but he gets about his business and is doing a fantastic job.

"Again, he's got Middlesbrough into a playoff place and they're only five points off Leeds United and Sunderland, which is a magnificent achievement. Again, he's been linked with another Premier League job at West Ham, he's been tipped to replace Julen Lopetegui.

"But it just shows you what happens sometimes. I would've sworn blind last night that West Ham were certain to get beat up at Newcastle, but they've gone up against an in-form side who won two before the international break and beat them. So all of a sudden, West Ham are on 15 points.

"You look at teams who are having a really good season like Nottingham Forest and they're only four points behind them, so maybe it's just a case of being patient.

"He definitely hasn't lost the players given that performance at Newcastle, I still think he's going to be under pressure - he's the manager of West Ham - but I don't think he's in danger of getting the sack after that result, certainly not in the next two or three games.