West Ham United 'looking to sign' ex-Derby County and Swansea City man Morgan Whittaker from Middlesbrough FC
West Ham United have been credited with interest in a key Middlesbrough figure
West Ham United are reportedly looking to prise Morgan Whittaker from their new Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
Whittaker was a marquee signing for Middlesbrough in January 2025, when he was lured to the Riverside from Plymouth Argyle.
He was a key figure in their run to the Championship play-off final last term, weighing in with 14 goals and seven assists during the regular season.
West Ham linked with Middlesbrough man
It appears Middlesbrough could face a battle to hold on to the winger, with West Ham said to be keen.
talkSPORT have claimed the Hammers, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are on Whittaker’s trail.
Middlesbrough will fancy themselves for a promotion tilt this term, therefore it would be bold of West Ham to move for one of their key figures. However, the London club have the financial power of parachute payments in their arsenal.
Middlesbrough are thought to be keen to retain Whittaker, who counts Derby County and Swansea City among his former clubs. The desire to keep him will undoubtedly be strengthened by the fact West Ham are a direct rival.
Middlesbrough’s summer transfer business
Middlesbrough have made five senior signings this summer, recruiting Sebastian Berhalter, Jeremy Sarmiento, Myles Peart-Harris, Kyle Joseph and Will Lankshear on permanent deals.
On the outgoings front, influential midfielder Hayden Hackney has been sold to Everton and fringe defender Archie Baptiste has linked up with Harrogate Town.
There is likely to be more transfer activity at the Riverside before the window closes, with Boro determined to bounce back from last season’s play-off final heartbreak.
Their league campaign is due to kick off on August 15, when newly-promoted Lincoln City will make the journey to North Yorkshire.