"£15-17m" - Plymouth Argyle backed to keep hold of star after snubbing Burnley | OneFootball

FLW's resident Plymouth Argyle fan pundit discussed Burnley's renewed interest in star attacker Morgan Whittaker

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Plymouth Argyle have been tipped to retain Morgan Whittaker throughout the January transfer window, having recently rejected a fresh bid from promotion hopefuls Burnley for the star attacker's services.

It's been a bitterly-disappointing campaign to date for all involved at Home Park, with the Pilgrims languishing at the foot of the Championship table after 25 matches.

Admittedly, Plymouth were expected to battle against relegation but they find themselves in real danger of becoming cut adrift, with 21st-placed Portsmouth currently holding a three-point advantage and a game-in-hand.

However, there is hope of a real uplift in fortunes following the appointment of ex-Cercle Brugge boss Miron Muslic, who has replaced Wayne Rooney at the helm and will take charge of Argyle for the first time when they host relegation rivals Oxford United on Tuesday evening.

It will be hoped Plymouth can enter a new and successful era under the Austrian coach while using Saturday's shock FA Cup third-round victory over Brentford, which was sealed by a Whittaker winner from range less than 10 minutes from time, as a springboard to push back up the Championship table.

Burnley FC, Hull City lodge transfer interest in Plymouth Argyle's Morgan Whittaker

According to reports, Plymouth have knocked back an opening offer from Burnley, which is said to have come nowhere close to their valuation of the 24-year-old.

Sources close to Football League World have corroborated that claim, and it's understood Scott Parker's side will return with a subsequent offer. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Hull, who are also in a battle against the drop, have seen a bid rejected for Whittaker.

This comes after a well-documented summer transfer saga with Burnley, who twice attempted to sign the former Derby County and Swansea City winger off the back of a stunning 19-goal haul in the Championship for Argyle last time out.

Burnley were unsuccessful in their pursuit but are not ready to quit on Whittaker despite a more inconsistent campaign this time around, with the versatile forward having returned just three goals from 18 league appearances to date.

Whittaker has recently returned from injury and Burnley are said to believe they can broker a cut-price deal in light of the ex-England youth international's struggles this term, but Plymouth are still seemingly adopting a hardball stance in order to offer themselves the best chance at retaining his services beyond this month's window.

Plymouth Argyle, Morgan Whittaker transfer verdict offered amid fresh Burnley FC offer

In spite of Whittaker's mixed form thus far, FLW's resident Argyle fan pundit Chris isn't surprised to see the player on Burnley's radar once again.

Burnley are currently second in the Championship table and remain strong automatic promotion contenders under Parker, adding undeniable incentive to any potential switch for Whittaker, though Chris is incredibly optimistic of keeping the attacker in Devon.

FLW asked Chris to name an ideal price tag for Whittaker, to which he responded: "Shortly after Argyle's emphatic win against Brentford away from home in the FA Cup, we see a transfer bid request from Burnley for our star attacker Morgan Whittaker.

"This doesn't come as a surprise to many Argyle fans, as Burnley worked very hard to try and get hold of his services during the summer. There was a reported bid in excess of £7 million during the summer, which we emphatically rejected.

"I believe that the bid is going to be around double figures. However, I believe that the Argyle board and Whittaker himself will not be keen to make that deal.

"Quite frankly, I believe Whittaker has found his home here in Plymouth. However, there is always that temptation, as seen with other players moving on, of the possibility of higher-level football available.

"However, the prospect of being a smaller fish in a bigger pond rather than the biggest fish in a small pond may sway Whittaker to stay at Home Park. I believe a figure between £15-17 million would be tempting to the board to consider a transfer move."