Clarke is set to join Derby County, who are also interested in Barlaser, though other clubs are also monitoring the midfielder’s situation and weighing up a late move for the midfielder.
Barlaser is moving into the last 18 months of his contract at the Riverside. The 28-year-old has made more than 60 league appearances since joining two years ago but has struggled to nail down a starting place and is currently behind Hayden Hackney and Aidan Morris in the pecking order, while Jonny Howson is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks. Boro are also hopeful of strengthening in midfield in the coming days.
Glen Kamara is one of the players in their thinking but isn’t the only potential target.
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Clarke, meanwhile, is set to rejoin Derby, where he was a popular figure in two previous season-long loan moves at Pride Park. He’s said to have completed his medical with the Rams and is joining until the end of the season, when his Boro contract was due to expire.
With Dael Fry and Rav van den Berg now both fit and George Edmundson having signed on a permanent deal, Clarke is fourth choice centre-half and has only started one of the last 12 league games. He wanted regular football.
Quizzed specifically on Clarke’s situation after the weekend defeat to Preston, Boro boss Carrick said: “It’s difficult to say with individuals at this stage of the season. There’s a bit to go through this week, a number of lads who we need to think about what’s best for us and them and work that out. We’ll see how it goes.”
Meanwhile, Alex Gilbert is also the subject of transfer interest as Boro weigh up the best course of action for the forward.
The 23-year-old is yet to start a Championship game this season and Carrick didn’t rule out a loan move for the former Brentford forward.
He said: “This week is what it is. There are decisions to be made on a number of things. We’ll have to wait and see.”
As well as looking to add a new midfielder, Boro are prioritising the signing of a new goalkeeper after injuries to Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng left Tom Glover as their only senior option.
