Emmanuel Latte Lath Transfer Speculation and Boro Injury Update

Recent reports clarify that Leicester City have not initiated discussions for Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, amidst ongoing transfer speculation. Additionally, Boro face injury challenges ahead of their match against Cardiff City.

Recent reports from The Northern Echo have clarified that Leicester City have yet to initiate any discussions with Middlesbrough regarding a potential transfer for striker Emmanuel Latte Lath. Speculation emerged late on Thursday, suggesting that the Premier League club was nearing a £12 million deal for the forward. However, The Northern Echo have clarified that no formal offer has been received from Leicester.

Should any clubs demonstrate serious interest in acquiring Latte Lath during the January transfer window, it is anticipated that they would need to present a significantly higher bid than the previously mentioned £12 million. According to The Northern Echo, last summer Boro turned down a £20 million offer from Ipswich Town on transfer deadline day.

In addition to Leicester, both Ipswich and West Ham United have been linked with the forward. His agent, Matthias Veneroso, has added fuel to the speculation, stating, "I expect something to happen in January." He further highlighted the nature of the January transfer window, remarking, "He is a striker and strikers are always the subject of attention."

Amidst the transfer rumours, Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has sought to reassure fans that such speculation will not disrupt the team's focus.

"The speculation doesn't really make a difference for us. We're in control of a lot of things. There's always decisions to be made. But we're happy with the squad we've got and we want to come out of January as strong, if not stronger, than we're going into it. We'll do everything we can to do that," Carrick stated.

The Northern Echo reported that Middlesbrough will be without any of their injured players for the upcoming match against Cardiff City. Although Marcus Forss has returned to training, he is not expected to be fit in time for the fixture against the Bluebirds. Aidan Morris is also in light training as he recovers from a knee injury sustained during the November international break, with tentative hopes for his availability in the FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers next week. However, Carrick is cautious about rushing Morris back into action.

Jonny Howson is expected to be out for a longer period due to a calf injury, while Tommy Conway is also expected to miss the weekend's game. Luke Ayling is making progress towards recovery after dealing with a knee injury and subsequent foot stitches but is not yet ready to return to the squad.

"We're not really expecting anyone back for the next game," Carrick confirmed.

"I think it's too quick a turnaround for that. We'll see after that. Hopefully, for the Blackburn game, we can maybe start getting some boys back for that one. At the minute, it's kind of where we're at. Luke is pretty close. It's just the cut on his foot now. It was pretty bad and he had to have stitches in that. It was inside of the foot where he kicks the ball, so it's a bit delicate and a decision in terms of how long you leave it before he starts kicking a ball again."

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Carrick also noted that Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith, and Alex Bangura remain long-term absentees.