"Unfortunately that’s what happens" - Carlton Palmer reacts to Plymouth Argyle, Morgan Whittaker news as Middlesbrough lurk | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has told FLW his valuation of Morgan Whittaker amid Middlesbrough interest

Carlton Palmer believes it will take up to £10 million for Middlesbrough to sign Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argyle this January.

According to Alan Nixon, the Teesside outfit have made an offer worth £5 million for the forward.

It has been exclusively revealed by Football League World that the Pilgrims are set to reject this figure, with speculation surrounding the 24-year-old persisting.

Burnley are also in the mix for this signing, with the BBC claiming that a bid has been submitted by the Clarets.

Palmer makes £5 million price tag claim

Palmer believes that £5 million won’t be enough to convince Plymouth to cash in on Whittaker this month, especially given their tumultuous position in the league table.

The 59-year-old has highlighted his impressive goal scoring form for the Pilgrims, as well as his impressive FA Cup performance against Brentford as a sign of his potential value.

“Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick are chasing Plymouth Argyle’s attacking wide player Morgan Whittaker,” Palmer told Football League World.

“Apparently they’ve tabled a bid of £5 million.

“Plymouth sit bottom of the Championship, if they have any chance of survival they have to keep Morgan Whittaker.

“Last season, appearances 46, starts 45, goals 19, assists eight.

“This season’s not been so prolific due to injury, but he’s still got a remarkable quality, he showed that with his solo goal for Plymouth in the FA Cup tie where they beat Brentford in the third round.

“Michael Carrick is keen to link him back up with playmaker Finn Azaz, both of these players were together in Devon and they were really effective.

“Michael Carrick needs goals, wants to bring goals into the football club, but I think it’s going to cost more than £5 million.

“Plymouth paid over £1 million for him, plus add-ons, so it’s fair to say £5 million won’t be enough to get him out of there.”

£10 million needed to sign Whittaker

Palmer has suggested that it will take closer to £10 million to win the signature of Whittaker before the 3 February deadline.

“The 24-year-old is so important for the football club,” he added

“I think he will go in this transfer window, unfortunately for Plymouth, but it will take a lot more than £5 million, I think you’re going to have to get closer to the £10 million mark, maybe £7, 8 million with add-ons to get to £10 million for the purchase of Whittaker.

“Unfortunately, that’s not great news for Plymouth supporters because his goals kept them in the Championship last season.

“But unfortunately that’s what happens when you’ve got a talented player and you’re at the bottom of the league.”

Plymouth need a big fee to cash in on Whittaker

Losing Whittaker would be massive for Plymouth given their poor position in the table.

His departure will be a huge difference-maker in the relegation battle, so they will need a big financial incentive to cash in now, as opposed to in the summer.

An offer of £5 million was likely to always be turned down, and something closer to £10 million will be required.

Whittaker would be an exciting signing for Middlesbrough, and a good step up for the player, but it remains to be seen whether Boro will go that high this month to get their man.