Newcastle United have identified Lyon midfield star Tyler Morton as a top target this summer as they plan for life after Sandro Tonali, according to SportsBoom.
The Magpies have had a difficult campaign in the Premier League this season and are currently sitting in 12th place, with manager Eddie Howe admitting that he "isn't doing a good enough job" right now, which has led to speculation that some stars could depart in the summer.
One of those is star midfielder Tonali, who was approached by Arsenal on deadline day earlier this month, and who's agent has spoken out about looking for an exit, and that has seen the club begin to make plans for the transfer window which include replacing him.
Newcastle Plotting Move for Morton
Tyler Morton of Lyon celebrates his goal during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Metz and Lyon at Stade Saint-Symphorien on January 25, 2026
Morton, who joined Lyon from Liverpool last summer and has been described as a 'total midfielder', has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1, registering two goals and two assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.
Now the 23-year-old has emerged as a major target for a number of clubs in the Premier League, and the Magpies have identified him as someone who could come in this summer and potentially fill the void left by a departing Tonali.
Newcastle have been on several scouting missions to watch the former Liverpool academy star in the flesh and he has impressed, with his composure under pressure earning him the tag of 'top priority' for the upcoming transfer window.
Morton's current contract in France runs until 2030, and Lyon aren't likely to want him to depart easily. That has seen them put a £40m asking price on his head to try and ward off potential suitors, which would represent a huge profit on the £10m they spent to sign him.
There is no formal bid on the table yet, but Newcastle are already testing the water through intermediaries and a bid is expected to follow in the summer.
Morton Fits the Howe Mould Well
Sandro Tonali
Howe's blueprint for midfield has always been running power mixed with technical ability, and Morton fits that bill well.
Losing Tonali would be a huge blow, but it seems as though the club need to accept that he wants to move on, and rather than drag it out like they did with Isak, they'd be better off just planning for life without him.
Morton would be a solid investment who could make an easy transition to the league, while also making an immediate impact, and it's certainly one to watch going forward.
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