Atlanta United submit €18m transfer offer for Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath | OneFootball

The MLS side have launched a surprise move for the Boro centre-forward.

MLS side Atlanta United have reportedly submitted a big-money bid for Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.

That's according to international transfer reporter Luca Bendoni via his X account on Sunday 12 January, where it's stated that Atlanta United have lodged an €18m ($18.5m, £15.1m) bid to sign Boro's number nine.

The offer is said to include an additional €1m ($1m, £839,000) in add-ons as well as a significant wage packet, as the MLS outfit launch a surprise move for the 26-year-old.

West Ham United, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and fellow Championship rivals Leeds United have all been linked with the prolific centre-forward, however it's understood that Daniel Farke's side aren't pushing for a move this month.

As first reported by GIVEMESPORT's Tom Bogert in the early hours of Sunday morning (12 January), MLS side Atlanta United have narrowed down their search for a striker to two targets, with one being Crystal Palace's Odsonne Edouard, and the other being Middlesbrough's Latte Lath.

Bogert notes that whilst it would cost a significant transfer fee if either deal was to be completed, three of the four highest transfer fees paid in MLS history are by Atlanta United.

Therefore, news that The Five Stripes have launched an €18m/£15.1m bid to sign Boro's centre-forward perhaps won't come as much of a surprise to those across the pond.

Bogert details that both Edouard and Latte Lath fit the profile of what Atlanta's CEO and President Garth Lagerwey is looking for when splashing out on a big-money investment: in their prime and proven across multiple leagues.

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has admitted that he can't offer any guarantees that Latte Lath will still be a Boro player come the closing of the winter window, saying: “You never know what’s out there and what’s going to come - who’s going to offer what.

"That’s not just about Manu, that’s any player. It’s a transfer window and anyone can offer what they want.

"So for me to sit here and say I’m confident or I’m not confident (in keeping him), it doesn’t really matter or affect it because we’ve no idea what might come."

With Latte Lath's agent, Matthias Veneroso, making no secret of the fact that they "expect something to happen in January" regarding a transfer away from the Riverside Stadium, the likelihood would appear to be that the Ivorian will seal a move this month.

However, the outcome of Atlanta United's approach will be fascinating to watch unfold.

Will he hold an interest in a move to the MLS? Would he perhaps perceive that as a step backwards at this stage of his career? Is it a move to a top European league he's holding out for? How much might he be swayed by a lucrative wage packet?

Many of those questions could well be answered in due course, however, it remains to be seen whether Atlanta's offer is an acceptable one as far as Middlesbrough are concerned.

The Teessiders rejected a £20m approach from Ipswich Town in the summer, and it's understood that it would require considerably more than the £12m Leicester City were quoted as having offered in order to bring Boro to the table.

Tommy Conway's injury woes may further complicate things too, as the Scottish international is believed to still some way away from a return to fitness. Therefore, Middlesbrough may not be in a position to sell Latte Lath at this moment given the lack of depth available to Carrick in his strike department.