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Fulham, Brentford 'to rival Lazio for Plymouth Argyle's Morgan Whittaker'

By Ben Sully | 30 January 2024

Fulham, Brentford 'to rival Lazio for Plymouth's Morgan Whittaker'

Fulham and Brentford are reportedly showing an interest in Plymouth Argyle's Morgan Whittaker, who has been the subject of a bid from Lazio.

Fulham and Brentford have reportedly scouted Plymouth Argyle winger Morgan Whittaker amid interest from Serie A side Lazio.

Whittaker returned to Plymouth on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window after spending the first half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at the Devon club.

The 23-year-old has been in fine form this season, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.

Impressively, Whittaker has found the net in six of Plymouth's last seven league games, including in each of his previous three appearances in the Championship.

Despite being under contract until June 2027, Whittaker is attracting considerable interest in the final stages of the January transfer window.

Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri before the match on January 28, 2024 © Reuters

Plymouth director of football Neil Dewsnip has revealed that the club have turned down a bid for Whittaker from Italian giants Lazio.

"Last night we received an official offer for Morgan from Lazio," Dewsnip told Plymouth Live. "Having discussed this internally and with the player's representatives, the offer was immediately rejected. Morgan is very happy at Argyle and we maintain our position that he is not for sale."

While it remains to be seen whether Lazio return with an improved bid, Whittaker has also emerged as a potential target for at least two Premier League clubs.

According to Football Insider, Brentford and Fulham have sent scouts to watch Whittaker in action in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Leeds United.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank before the match on December 27, 2023 © Reuters

The former Derby County man wore the captain's armband as the two Championship sides played out a 1-1 draw at Elland Road to send the fourth-round tie to a replay.

Those two London clubs are continuing to keep tabs on the player's situation as they weigh up whether to make a move before the transfer deadline on February 1.

Although Whittaker has been linked with a move away from Home Park, Plymouth will be reluctant to sanction a sale in the middle of the season.

However, should they decide to entertain a sale, the Pilgrims could stand to make a significant profit after signing him from Swansea City in a deal worth around £1m plus add-ons.