Report: Newcastle United favourites to sign former Liverpool star | OneFootball

Newcastle United transfer plans gather pace as Tonali future questioned

Newcastle United’s midfield planning has quietly moved into focus this week, following fresh reports linking Sandro Tonali with a possible exit. Credit must go to Caught Offside, who first broke the detail around Newcastle’s internal preparations and their growing interest in Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton.

While much of the external noise has centred on Arsenal’s admiration for Tonali, those close to Newcastle have been aware for some time that contingency plans were being explored. This is not panic buying or short term thinking, it is strategic risk management from a club that understands how quickly circumstances can change at the top level.

As one source put it, “Although it’s only come out in the last few days, the prospect of Sandro Tonali leaving Newcastle is very real and not a recent thing. That doesn’t mean it’s 100% happening, but the club are realistic about the possibility and want to make sure all bases are covered.”

Tyler Morton profile fits long term strategy

Morton’s name may not yet resonate with casual Premier League watchers, but Newcastle’s recruitment team have been monitoring him closely. His development at Lyon has been impressive, particularly in a side that relies heavily on midfield control and positional discipline.

The 23 year old joined Lyon last summer and has gone on to play 28 games in all competitions this season, underlining his durability and tactical intelligence. He previously caught the eye at Liverpool, where his technical quality was never in doubt, even if opportunities were limited.

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Morton was once described as “exceptional” by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, praise that still carries weight given Klopp’s reputation for developing midfield talent. That label no longer feels speculative, it reflects what Morton is now delivering consistently in Ligue 1.

Market conditions create opening for Newcastle

One of the more intriguing aspects of this story is Lyon’s financial position. As highlighted by Caught Offside, Newcastle believe there may be scope for a deal below true market value.

“Morton is someone Newcastle know well and they’ve done some work on. He only joined Lyon last summer but their finances mean they’d have to consider offers. Newcastle sense an opportunity for a possible bargain there.”

Competition exists from Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, yet Newcastle are believed to be leading the race. That advantage likely comes from offering a clearer pathway to a central role, particularly if Tonali were to depart.

Player decision balanced by development concerns

From Morton’s perspective, the timing is delicate. His move to France has accelerated his development, and another rapid transfer carries risk. Returning to England without guaranteed minutes would not appeal, especially for an England Under-21 international pushing towards senior recognition.

However, replacing a key figure like Tonali in Eddie Howe’s system would represent a significant vote of confidence, and potentially the ideal next step.

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From a Newcastle supporter’s standpoint, this report feels reassuring rather than alarming. Losing Sandro Tonali would obviously sting, but the fact the club have been planning ahead suggests maturity and ambition rather than fear.

Tyler Morton profiles as the kind of signing Newcastle have built their recent success on, young, technically gifted, and hungry to prove himself at Premier League level. Supporters remember how Bruno Guimarães arrived with similar intrigue rather than hype, and quickly became indispensable.

There is also comfort in the idea that Morton would arrive with a defined purpose. This would not be a squad filler, but a player trusted to step into a crucial midfield role. If Eddie Howe can offer him that responsibility, St James’ Park would likely embrace him quickly.

Financially, a potential bargain aligns with the realities of modern squad building, especially with profitability rules in mind. Emotionally, fans want reassurance that progress will not stall if a star name leaves.

If this move materialises, it would feel less like replacing Tonali directly and more like evolving the midfield again. For a hopeful Newcastle fan, that feels like exactly the right direction.