Wigan Athletic should challenge Middlesbrough for ambitious Tottenham transfer: View | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic successfully navigated a tricky 2023/24 League One campaign, landing a top-half spot despite beginning the season eight points off the pace due to a deduction and being under a transfer embargo over the course of the last two windows.

But now free from the shackles of an embargo, the Latics can now concentrate on the summer transfer window while supporters will be hoping for a 2024/25 play-off push.

Following the departures of Stephen Humphrys, Josh Magennis and Charlie Wyke, Latics boss Shaun Maloney must address his side's forward line ahead of the new campaign.

An ambitious swoop for Tottenham starlet and Middlesbrough loan target could be the answer for Latics

The exit of Humphrys, who scored nine goals during the 2023/24 League One season, saw the Greater Manchester outfit lose last season's top goalscorer.

In order to mount a top-six challenge, it is vital that the Latics sign a striker who has a dangerous eye for goal, and Spurs academy forward Will Lankshear could be a perfect fit if Maloney's men pursue an eyebrow-raising loan deal.

The 19-year-old has scored 21 goals in 22 Premier League 2 outings for Spurs this campaign, so his firepower is an undoubtable asset, while his profile could suit the Latics' ethos.

Although largely dictated by the transfer embargo, Maloney has placed a heavy onus on youth players at the Brick Community Stadium, and the likes of England youth internationals Charlie Hughes and Sam Tickle have thrived under his stewardship, and as a talented youngster, Lankshear could slot into the Latics' set up perfectly.

However, this would be a highly ambitious move for the North West outfit, due to the fact that Championship side Middlesbrough are interested in securing the services of the teenager on a loan basis, as exclusively revealed by Football League World.

But if the Latics are to pursue a loan deal, perhaps Spurs could be convinced by the fact that Wigan have a strong record when it comes to nurturing youth talent.

The North London outfit signed Alfie Devine from the Latics in 2020 when the Greater Manchester side were in administration but despite turbulent times in recent years, the club have continued to develop talented youngsters, as showcased by the performances of Hughes, Tickle and Baba Adeeko, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-21 level.

Although it could prove difficult to rival Boro for Lankshear's services, as Michael Carrick and co would love a talented forward to support the already dangerous Emmanuel Latte Lath, perhaps the Latics would be able to convince Spurs due to their recent history of helping to develop Premier League talent in loan deals.

Latics could use Martial Godo and Luke Chambers success to their advantage

If the Latics do pursue an ambitious loan move for Lankshear, then they can point to Martial Godo and Luke Chambers as evidence that they are an ideal destination for up-and-coming Premier League talent.

Godo signed for the club on loan from Fulham, and the winger gained invaluable experience in League One as he showed off his dazzling dribbling skills, while scoring four goals and creating five assists in 34 third tier appearances and 25 starts.

The 21-year-old was named in Maloney's starting 11 as the Latics took on Manchester United in the FA Cup third round, and he recently revealed that he arrived in Wigan as a boy, and left as a man.

Meanwhile, Liverpool youngster Chambers joined the Latics on loan in January, and was deployed by Maloney as a left-back in a back four, as well as both a left-sided centre-half in a back three, and a left-wing-back in a back five.

He showed his class at the Brick Community Stadium and displayed his ability going forward as well as his defensive capabilities, scoring a goal against League One champions Portsmouth, while he also provided three assists in 18 outings.