Plymouth Argyle respond as Morgan Whittaker transfer update emerges at Rangers
Plymouth Argyle have refused to officially comment on speculation linking Morgan Whittaker with a summer transfer to Rangers, according to Plymouth Live.
The outlet reported on its live blog on Saturday (20 July, 13:45) that the Championship side has included the Ibrox-linked attacker in their starting XI for a pre-season clash with Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.
While the Pilgrims didn't rule out the fact that there had been a bid made for Whittaker's services, they refused to be dragged into speculation around his future in their official response.
Reports had emerged that Philippe Clement's squad had lodged a £7million offer for the 23-year-old, which Argyle had quickly turned down [Daily Record, 19 July].
Will Morgan Whittaker exit Plymouth Argyle amid Rangers transfer speculation?
Argyle were never likely to officially admit that Rangers had lodged a bid for Whittaker's services this summer as it would be unprofessional to be drawn into speculation in such a public manner.
But the fact that the 23-year-old has been included in the Pilgrims' squad for their friendly with Cheltenham shows that a move to Ibrox defiantly isn't imminent at least, otherwise, he wouldn't be featuring.
Whittaker has been a star player for Argyle over the last few seasons and the Championship club will likely do all that they can to stop him from leaving this summer unless they receive a big offer that simply cannot be turned down.
It seems unlikely that Philippe Clement's side will have the financial muscle to make that sort of offer given the fact they need to sell players before buying. Perhaps if one or two big earners exit in the coming weeks a deal could be struck.
Until then, supporters shouldn't be rushing out to get their new kit with Whittaker's name on the back.
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