Middlesbrough have secured the signing of Morgan Whittaker on a permanent transfer from Plymouth Argyle.

An eye-catching deal, Boro were able to complete the signing of one of the Championship's top forwards in recent years after selling Isaiah Jones to Luton Town earlier this month to free up funds. Whittaker, who also had interest from Burnley, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract on Teesside.

The 24-year-old built up an excellent rapport with Boro star Finn Azaz during the pair's time together at Home Park, and it's believed Whittaker sought the advice of Azaz when making his decision to move to Boro. Boro are believed to have paid £5 million, with a potential for £2.5 million more in add-ons.

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Boro head coach Michael Carrick said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Morgan into the club. There was a lot of interest in him, but it says a lot that he wanted to come here and be a part of things."

Having starred on loan in the Pilgrims side that won promotion from League One in 2023, Whittaker made his move to Home Park permenant and had an excellent first season in the Championship. Things have been tougher for the Green Army in general this term, but in the last 18 months, Whittaker still has a remarkable goal-contribution record of 24 goals and nine assists.

Predominantly a left-footed right winger, he is seen as a long-term replacement to Ben Doak, who will spend the rest of the season at Boro on loan from Liverpoo. He can also play as a number ten though, while Doak's excellence will afford the forward a settling-in period. His arrival isn't thought to in anyway be connected to whether Emmanuel Latte Lath stays or leaves this month. Boro were able to let Micah Hamilton go on loan to Stockport County as a result of Whittaker's move.