Ipswich Town suffer blow in Middlesbrough, Latte Lath transfer pursuit | OneFootball

Emmanuel Latte Lath is the subject of intense transfer speculation this January

Ipswich Town have been rebuffed by Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath amid their January interest in the player.

According to 225 Foot, the forward has turned down an opportunity to sign for the Tractor Boys amid interest from West Ham.

Lath is the subject of transfer speculation after a positive first half of the campaign in the Championship.

The Ivorian has contributed nine goals and two assists for Michael Carrick’s side from 24 appearances in the second division.

Emmanuel Latte Lath transfer latest

It has been reported that Lath has turned down a potential move to Ipswich amid speculation over his future.

It is understood that the 26-year-old is seeking a greater challenge from his next move, should he depart Middlesbrough midway through the campaign.

It was originally claimed by TuttoMercatoWeb that both Ipswich and West Ham are chasing the signature of the Boro player this January.

While it remains to be seen whether a move to the London Stadium is on the cards, it is now believed that Lath has no interest in a switch to Portman Road.

Lath has a contract with Middlesbrough until the summer of 2027, with the Teesside outfit also holding the option to extend that by a further year.

This gives the club a lot of leverage this winter, with the market now open until 3 February.

However, the player’s agent has made it clear that a move could still be on the cards even with the amount of time left on his deal.

Emmanuel Latte Lath’s importance to Middlesbrough

Lath has been a regular presence in the side since joining Boro in the summer of 2023.

He bagged 16 goals from 30 appearances in the Championship last season as the club narrowly missed out on a top six finish.

Nine goals from 24 appearances this year has seen him remain a key part of Carrick’s plans, with the team now fifth in the table.

Up next for Boro is a home clash with Cardiff City on 4 January.

Middlesbrough must hold firm with Lath this January

While Lath is angling for a potential move away from Middlesbrough, the club have no reason to cash in unless a substantial offer is made.

It was reported in September that the club already turned down a £20 million offer for him last summer, meaning it should take at least that much to convince them to sell this January.

It remains to be seen whether someone like West Ham would be willing to offer that much, particularly mid-season.