West Ham told to pull the plug on Morgan Whittaker deal after what scout has heard

West Ham United are plotting a move to sign Middlesbrough star Morgan Whittaker but have been warned to be cautious.

Despite being just 25 years old, the winger has already had four permanent clubs alongside two loan spells, and has failed to establish himself fully.

He enjoyed a strong season with Middlesbrough last time out, as he scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 45 games across all competitions, but new concerns have been raised.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that he has heard from sources at Whittaker's previous clubs that there are lingering concerns about his work rate.

There are also concerns that the winger can be "selfish" with his play, and those concerns have led to him being moved on from his previous clubs.

However, West Ham have been keeping a close eye on his situation at Middlesbrough and now believe he could be lured away as part of their plans to strengthen their squad.

Could West Ham make a move for Morgan Whittaker?

Brown told Football Insider back in 2024 that Premier League clubs had been tracking Whittaker but decided to back out of a deal as he instead remained at Plymouth Argyle.

One year later, he completed a move to Middlesbrough, where his performances have once again grabbed the attention of Premier League hopefuls, notably including West Ham.

However, having watched Whittaker closely during his career, Brown warned that the Hammers must not get sucked in by his flashes of brilliance, and instead look at the bigger picture.

"I've spoken to a few people about Morgan Whittaker and I haven't heard good things," Brown told Football Insider.

"I've also been to see him play on a number of occasions, and while yes I agree he can give you moments and flashes of brilliance, it's the other side I have concerns about.

"He'll go through a 10-20 minute spell in a game where he looks fantastic, he can beat his man and score some great goals, but where is he for the other 70 minutes?

"You end up looking around wondering when he's going to do something, but he doesn't show for the ball, doesn't track back to help out his teammates, and fades out of the game.

"I remember watching him once and I spoke to somebody at the club who told me 'Don't be fooled, it's not always how it looks', and that's something I've taken on board.

"So when it comes to West Ham showing an interest, I don't doubt that they are admirers of the quality moments he can produce.

"If I was still there, I would be warning them that they have to look at the bigger picture and not just the moments, but at the same time it wouldn't surprise me if they made that move.

"They want to sign a winger and he has got experience at this level, and I would just urge them to be cautious."

Which other wingers are on West Ham's radar?

Having been warned against signing Whittaker, West Ham could turn their attention towards one of the number of alternative wide options on their radar this summer.

This comes following the sale of Crysencio Summerville, with the Hammers now keen to strengthen out wide after losing one of their key players for a huge fee.

Brown told Football Insider in June that West Ham have been eyeing a move to sign Watford winger Nestory Irankunda following his impressive World Cup displays.

The 20-year-old scored during Australia's opening game victory against Turkey, and has also impressed in the Championship with Watford.

His contract at Watford is set to run until 2030, potentially making any move difficult, but the Hammers could make a move to lure him away from Vicarage Road ahead of time.