Latest developments
- West Ham United want to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough.
- Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is another Hammers target.
- Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug are both out injured.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Strong links to Boro man
After a £50 million bid for Jhon Duran was rejected, West Ham have turned to other targets in their search for a new striker, including Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Plenty of outlets are reporting their interest in the Ivorian, including transfer expert Pete O’Rourke, writing for footballinsider247.com.
Value (3/5): Teesiders’ price revealed
The same outlet claimed recently that Middlesbrough want £15 million for the 26-year-old.
Since arrival from Atalanta in 2023, his market value has risen to £8.4 million, thus West Ham will have to pay close to double that to sign him, but after 10 goals in the Championship this season and the Hammers so desperately needing strikers, that price looks reasonable.
Suitability (4/5): Adapted well in England
A tally of 28 goals across 18 months spent in England so far proves that Latte Lath can succeed in the tough environment of the Championship.
The Premier League will be a step up, but if he can take his form to the London Stadium, then he will provide adequate cover for absentees Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Hammers needed more anyway
He may be unproven at the top level, but Latte Lath could well become part of the long-term plans under Graham Potter.
With Antonio, Fullkrug and Danny Ings all the wrong side of 30, and not exactly in sparkling form before injury in any case, a strong start for the Ivorian could be enough to cement his place in the side.
Logic: (2/5): Ferguson a safer bet?
West Ham going back in for Duran suggests they want a striker with Premier League experience. Alternatives will be on the radar if that fails, with Andre Silva and Evan Ferguson being amongst them.
After showing his qualities for Brighton, and making his initial breakthrough under Hammers boss Graham Potter during the gaffer's days at the Amex Stadium, this would make more sense.
There's also the fact that Middlesbrough have a solid chance of promotion this season, so Latte Lath might opt to wait until the summer to decide his future.
Whisper+ verdict: 14.5/25
Ferguson now looks to be priority number one, but if the Irishman goes elsewhere, we could see West Ham knocking on Boro’s door.
