Middlesbrough news: Boro make Morgan Whittaker bid, and all the latest on Ben Doak and Emmanuel Latte Lath

Middlesbrough are leading the race for Plymouth Argyle forward Morgan Whittaker ahead of fellow Championship side Burnley.

Michael Carrick’s side sit in fifth place in the league table after a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion thanks to goals from Hayden Hackney and Ben Doak.

Rumours of the Scottish winger’s loan deal being cut short by parent club Liverpool and interest in the club’s top goalscorer Emmanuel Latte Lath have caused concerns amongst the Boro fanbase.

However, Carrick could ease those concerns with the arrival of Whittaker as Transfer News Blitz’s writer Harry Whitfield looks at the latest transfer news surrounding the club.

Whittaker saga continues

News of Burnley’s interest in the Pilgrims forward seems to have forced Boro’s hand, as Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, claims the play-off chasing side are now favourites to sign Whittaker.

Nixon states that Middlesbrough are willing to match Argyle’s valuation of £10million but through a £5million deal plus add-ons instead of in full.

This season, Whittaker has netted only three goals in 20 Championship games - not his best goalscoring record - but grabbing the winner to knock Premier League side Brentford out of the FA Cup has reignited interest for the 24-year-old.

A versatile forward, Whittaker can play on the right side, through the middle and sometimes lead the line.

His favoured position is to play out wide on the right - occupied by Doak primarily this season for the Boro - but will the teenage sensation stay at the Riverside and see out his loan deal?

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Decision on Doak’s future at the Riverside made

Carrick has confirmed that Doak will stay with Middlesbrough until the end of the season.

Liverpool had reportedly rejected bids of £15million from Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace for the youngster.

However, speaking to Teesside Live after his side’s 2-0 victory over West Brom, Carrick confirmed the youngster was going nowhere.

He said: “The deadline has passed for Ben, I said all along I was calm! 

“Obviously we’re really happy he’s here, but genuinely, it hasn’t been a big thing for us.”

Latte Lath eyes move to America

The Ivory Coast forward had been linked with a move away from Middlesbrough before the winter transfer window even opened.

Recent reports suggest MLS side Atlanta United have offered £18million with a further £2million in add-ons, whilst also being able to give the striker a huge wage hike.

Despite interest in the Latte Lath, no bid has been accepted by the club according to Teesside Live, with Carrick starting the 26-year-old upfront against the Baggies on Tuesday.

There had been talks of a move to the Premier League for Latte Lath in the summer as Ipswich considered making an offer for the Championship striker.

As it stands, no deal has been agreed with Carrick insisting “there’s no change in his situation” after the weekend defeat to Portsmouth.

Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.

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