Newcastle 'working on' deal to sign Tyler Morton

Newcastle United scouts have been keeping a close eye on Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton ahead of a potential January swoop.

The 23-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 since his permanent move from Liverpool last summer, but could already be poised to make a return to the Premier League.

Matthias Jaissle's side are still keen to strengthen their midfield after a difficult summer transfer window, and believe the Lyon star could be a solid addition.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle have been doing their due dilligence over Morton as they line up a potential mid-season move.

The central midfielder has already made ten appearances so far this season and has stood out for Lyon, who have so far lost just two games across all compeitions.

His performances have placed a number of clubs on high alert, and Newcastle, who have been long-term admirers of Morton, could now be tempted to make a move.

Could Newcastle make a move to sign Tyler Morton?

Brown first told Football Insider back in February that Newcastle have been keeping an eye on Morton, with scouts in France watching his performances closely.

After losing both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes during the summer, additions in midfield became a priority, and they are not fully satisfied with their business.

As a result, they could be prepared to reignite their interest in Morton, with a potential move in January being lined up to bring him back to the Premier League.

"Newcastle will be fully aware of Morton and how he's been performing over in France," Brown told Football Insider.

"They'll have scouts over there watching him regularly, so they'll know all of the pros and cons of his game, and they'll know how he is behind the scenes as well.

"These clubs are always doing their due dilligence, they want to find out what sort of character he is, how he performs in training, what was the reason he left Liverpool?

"It's something they will be working on behind the scenes, even if eventually they end up looking elsewhere, because they have to know these things.

"Newcastle will know all about him, and we know that they still need to strengthen in midfield, I'm not convinced they were completely satisfied with their business in the summer.

"Morton could be a good option to strengthen in that position, especially if he continues to perform will in France, and he could be tempted back to the Premier League."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Morton?

Newcastle are not the only club in the Premier League who have been impressed by Morton's performances over in France after what has been a strong start to the season for him.

While no concrete moves have been made at this stage, he is said to be an active target for a number of clubs who have had scouts tracking him.

Football Insider revealed on 30 September that Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Morton's performances with a view to potentially bringing him back to Anfield.

The former England U21 international is one of several midfielders on Liverpool's radar ahead of the January window, as they are keen to add a new number six to their ranks.

However, sources say that Lyon are reluctant to lose Morton in the middle of the season, and would attempt to block a move if possible.