It is not exactly a secret that Morgan Whittaker wasn’t particularly pleased with Swansea City’s decision to re-call him from a loan spell at Plymouth Argyle during the January transfer window.
In fact, he went as far as to use the word ‘devastated‘
Three months on, the former England U20 international would be forgiven if his frustration had turned to fury. Plymouth can be promoted on Saturday. What’s more, Whittaker also missed out on a trip to Wembley, Steven Schumacher’s side taking on Bolton in the Papa John’s Trophy final.
And while Swansea could still be on their way to London too – Russell Martin’s side still within a shot at the play-offs – Whittaker’s contribution to their superb run of form has been about as substantial as Seth Rogan’s to the success of Donnie Darko.
With Joel Piroe in the Gyllenhaal role at the Liberty Stadium, Whittaker remains on the fringes, a seldom-seen member of Martin’s supporting cast. He’s started only two of Swansea’s last 16 Championship games.
Rangers still hope to sign Swansea City’s Morgan Whittaker
So if Whittaker wanted to make a move north of the border in January, then one suspects 12 weeks or so on the Swansea bench will have only strengthened his desire to leave South Wales for a fresh start and a change of scenery.
According to the Daily Record, Rangers know that Whittaker is still ‘keen’ on a move heading into the summer window. The Gers made three bids in the winter, including one in the region of £2 million, per Fabrizio Romano.
“He’s a top, top young player,” explained former Championship ace and EFL expert Jobi McAnuff.
“He can play wide right or just behind the striker. He scores important goals, he’s a great dribbler and carries the ball well. He’s a fluid player who links into the attack very well and he’s got a fantastic left foot,” says McAnuff, formerly of Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Watford.
“I’m a little bit surprised by (the Rangers links). I thought there’d have been some real top-end Championship interest in him, because he has that huge potential to go on and have a really good career.
“If Rangers pull this off it’s a brilliant signing for them.”
Whittaker scored or assisted 18 goals in just 25 games for Plymouth in the first half of the campaign. After tasting first-team football at Home Park, he’s been starved off opportunities at Swansea.
