Tottenham have been keeping close tabs on Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton in recent weeks.
Tottenham Hotspur’s recent dip in Premier League form has exposed a glaring weakness that continues to hold the team back under Thomas Frank.
Thomas Frank has largely persisted with the midfield pairing of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, until breaking that partnership in recent games. The duo of Palhinha and Bentancur offers solidity off the ball but lacks the creative spark and vision needed to control the tempo of games. They flourish in defensive phases of the game, but offer very little when it comes to ball progression or breaking the lines.
For Tottenham to take the next step and start dominating matches, Thomas Frank urgently requires a technically sound and tactically astute defensive midfielder, someone who will not only offer a layer of protection to the backline but also act as a starting point for attacks from deeper areas.
Tottenham interested in signing Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are among several Premier League clubs interested in signing Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton. They have been closely monitoring the 23-year-old’s performances in Ligue 1 in recent weeks. The likes of Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Everton have all been keeping tabs on the former Liverpool man ahead of the winter transfer window.
Tyler Morton only moved to Lyon in a deal worth around £15million from Liverpool in August. The former England youth international showed promise after being promoted from the academy, but could not really break into the first team. As a result, he could muster only 14 senior appearances for the Reds, and after loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Hull City in the Championship, the midfielder was allowed to leave Anfield permanently to build his career.
And Morton has found prominence with Lyon, starting 12 Ligue 1 games. He has become an integral part of Paulo Fonseca’s side, who are sixth in the Ligue 1 table after 14 rounds. The report adds while Lyon are not looking to sell, the chance to turn into a handsome profit in 12 months will be a big lure to ignore, given their recent financial woes.
Tyler Morton would represent a long-term signing for Tottenham
Morton is exactly the kind of profile Tottenham’s current squad lacks. A press-resistant, technically strong defensive midfielder, the 23-year-old would provide balance to Frank’s first XI. There will also not be adaptability concerns around a potential deal for the Englishman, who has finally found a home for himself in Lyon.
However, that doesn’t mean he cannot be tempted back into the Premier League and Spurs could do that, provided they present a strong sporting plan that involves fighting for top prizes and featuring regularly in the Champions League. Also, having a manager like Frank who has nurtured several talents during his time at Brentford could help.
All in all, the Lilywhites may look to test Lyon’s resolve for Morton next year.
