"I’m hearing" - Sky Sports pundit sends Middlesbrough FC a Latte Lath transfer warning | OneFootball

Clinton Morrison spoke exclusively to Football League World about in-demand Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath

Sky Sports pundit and EFL expert Clinton Morrison has cautioned Middlesbrough about potentially sanctioning a sale for in-demand striker Emmanuel Latte Lath in the midst of the club's bid to return to the Premier League under Michael Carrick this season.

Following last term's eighth-placed finish, Boro are faring somewhat better this time around and currently find themselves in fifth place, albeit ten points out from rivals Sunderland in third. Middlesbrough are strong value to finish the campaign inside the division's prized top-six region but could see their promotion credentials weakened by green-lighting a mid-season exit for star striker Latte Lath, who has earned a host of interest elsewhere as of late.

The striker was linked to the likes of Leeds United, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and West Ham but now seems closer to making a Stateside switch, with ambitious MLS outfit Atlanta United emerging as the frontrunners to complete the capture at this moment in time. Atlanta have reportedly tabled a MLS-record offer worth up to £20 million for Latte Lath, who currently faces an unclear immediate future on Teesside.

As per reports, Boro are said to be open to sanctioning a sale in the remainder of the month in order to push through with their own January plans, with Plymouth Argyle attacker Morgan Whittaker closing in on a move to the Riverside Stadium. It will be interesting to see what direction the Latte Lath saga takes in the coming days amid Whittaker's impending arrival, that's for sure.

Clinton Morrison tells Middlesbrough FC, Michael Carrick to keep Emmanuel Latte Lath amid Atlanta United offer

According to Morrison, the Championship promotion hopefuls should keep Latte Lath at all costs as they bid to return to English football's top flight for the first time in eight years. The forward has been in inspired form for much of the campaign, spearheading Boro's top-six pursuit.

The pundit spoke exclusively to Football League World, on behalf of Free Bets, and explained: "There are a lot of rumours, to be fair. They’re saying they want to keep him, but on the other hand, what I’m hearing is a deal could be done because it is a lot of money.

"If I’m Middlesbrough, I’m not selling him because they have a great chance at finishing in that top-six. Not the top two, but for the play-offs, and he’s the in-form striker in the Championship.

"He’s got great movement and scores a lot of goals so I wouldn’t sell him, I’d keep him. I hope he doesn’t go because you obviously want to see the best players in the EFL and I understand the opportunity to go out to the MLS - MLS football is growing.

"But I think if I’m Michael Carrick, I say to the hierarchy - the likes of Steve Gibson (owner) - don’t sell him because he could be the difference-maker. Then I’m thinking if I sell him for £18 million, going into the Premier League is a lot more money especially if you do it through the play-off final, so I’d keep him and hopefully he does stay.

"But there are a lot of rumours that him and [Miguel, Newcastle United winger] could be joining."

Emmanuel Latte Lath's 24/25 form for Middlesbrough

It's little wonder Latte Lath is the subject of significant interest, with his goalscoring exploits catching serious attention yet again after a promising debut campaign with Boro last time out.

The 26-year-old scored 18 goals across all competitions in 2023/24 and, should he stay put, is on course to trump that return this time around.

He has returned eleven Championship strikes from 28 outings, which, with just 19 of those being starts, is currently equating to over a goal every other game at an average of 0.56 per 90 minutes.

It's a commendable return, all things considered, and one which outlines his status as one of the finest forwards in the division.

That does mean Middlesbrough would pocket a sizable sum from any potential exit, but Morrison raises a compelling argument about the incomparable financial windfall the club would be in receipt of if Latte Lath helps them to promotion - and that's a possibility, of course.