The future of Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has been the subject of much conjecture since the January transfer market opened over two weeks ago. How is the Ivorian forward playing right now, and what will probably happen before the window closes at the beginning of next month?

WHO IS THE BIDDER FOR THE LATH?

Over the weekend, Atlanta United tabled a bid for Latte Lath, becoming the first team to formally submit an offer. The American MLS team has made an offer that is said to include an upfront payment of about £18 million, with the entire package perhaps worth up to £20 million after add-ons. Although Middlesbrough has confirmed receiving the offer, they have not yet formally replied to it or started more in-depth conversations with the Atlanta leadership. Although there had been rumors this month that Latte Lath was connected to several clubs both domestically and overseas, Atlanta’s official approach was a bit unexpected.

IS THE ONLY CLUB INTERESTED IN ATLANTA?

No. Although there have been initial talks with other potential suitors, the MLS team may be the only one to table an offer this month. On the deadline day in August, Ipswich Town made a bid worth almost £20 million once add-ons were added, but Boro’s leadership group turned it down. However, they are still interested since Kieran McKenna, their head coach, has openly discussed the need for a new striker who may mean the difference between them staying in the Premier League and being relegated.

Latte Lath has long been admired by West Ham, and senior Boro officials are reportedly aware of the London club’s continued interest, according to sources. Over the weekend, Niclas Fullkrug, the Hammers’ summer acquisition, was diagnosed with a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for approximately three months, further increasing the team’s need for a new striker. West Ham’s need for a new striker has grown chronic, since Michail Antonio is out due to a recent car accident and Jarrod Bowen is also out with a long-term injury. They have been linked to Jonathan David of Lille and Evan Ferguson of Brighton, but Latte Lath is most likely a more practical and reachable choice. Latte Lath has also been the subject of constant rumors of interest from the Italian top division, albeit it is thought that many of these rumors were stoked by middlemen hoping to generate interest in the Boro striker.

THIS MONTH, WILL BORO SELL?

They didn’t in the summer, but that wasn’t because the two clubs’ values were so different; rather, it was because of the timing of Ipswich’s bid, which gave them no realistic prospect of finding a successor. There is no strong reason to let the 26-year-old go because Latte Lath has a contract with the Riverside that expires in 2027, with an extra 12-month option for Boro. With ten league goals this season, Latte Lath leads Boro in scoring, and the only players ahead of him in the Championship goalscoring statistics are Josh Maja and Borja Sainz.

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