Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick said there is "always a plan" amid rumours of a departure for striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.
The Ivory Coast international is an injury doubt for Monday's blockbuster match against Sunderland (20:00 GMT) after needing to be withdrawn in their loss to Preston North End on Saturday.
It may be that the striker is no longer even part of the Boro line-up come the game against the Black Cats, having been linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window, but the 26-year-old remains in Carrick's plans.