---
title: "West Ham make late move for Championship play-off star"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/08/01/west-ham-make-late-move-for-championship-play-off-star/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-08-01T08:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-01T08:30:00Z"
---

# West Ham make late move for Championship play-off star

**West Ham United are considering a move to sign Middlesbrough attacker Morgan Whittaker before the Championship season begins.**

The Morgan Whittaker West Ham transfer could gather pace quickly, with Boro reportedly facing a battle to convince the 25-year-old to remain at the Riverside Stadium.

West Ham are yet to make a formal offer, but [talkSPORT understands](https://talksport.com/football/4482848/morgan-whittaker-middlesbrough-west-ham-championship-transfer-news/) that the Hammers are weighing up a move.

Middlesbrough want to retain Whittaker after he played an important role in their run to last season’s play-off final. However, West Ham’s interest could leave the North Yorkshire club with a difficult decision.

Nuno Espírito Santo urgently needs attacking reinforcements after Crysencio Summerville and Adama Traoré left the London Stadium this summer.

> MAJOR BREAKING: West Ham are looking to sign Middlesbrough's Morgan Whittaker before the start of the season.\
> \
> Boro are keen to retain Whittaker's services, but will struggle to convince the midfielder to remain in North Yorkshire with West Ham weighing up a move.[@talkSPORT](https://x.com/talkSPORT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/EkaNDZM2a2](https://t.co/EkaNDZM2a2)
>
> — Central (@WestHam\_Central) [July 31, 2026](https://x.com/WestHam_Central/status/2083201918172623091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Morgan Whittaker West Ham transfer could gather pace

Whittaker joined Middlesbrough from Plymouth Argyle in January 2025 and has since rebuilt his reputation as one of the Championship’s leading attackers.

He can operate from the right or through central areas, giving Nuno another source of goals and creativity behind the striker.

West Ham have also been exploring alternative wide options. The club are considering a potential loan move for Reiss Nelson, with ReadWestHam reporting that the [Arsenal winger is keen on joining West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/31/arsenal-winger-keen-on-west-ham-move-this-summer/).

Whittaker would offer more recent Championship experience and could arrive ready to contribute immediately. West Ham’s need for proven attacking output has increased after failing to make a senior signing during the opening weeks of the window.

The Morgan Whittaker West Ham transfer remains at an early stage. No fee has been reported and Middlesbrough will attempt to keep the attacker.

However, with the competitive campaign about to begin, West Ham may need to move quickly before Boro strengthen their position or another club enters the race.