Middlesbrough are currently in the midst of a crazy Deadline Day. The Teesiders have been pushing to make their squad the strongest possible for the final push for their promotion hopes, and a new link might just push things over the top.
Tyler Morton, a 22-year-old defensive midfielder from Liverpool’s academy, has had previous loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Hull City. The Merseyside native has made one appearance for Liverpool this season in the Champions League.
Paul Joyce of The Times is reporting that Middlesbrough are in talks over buying the midfielder from Liverpool. The two clubs have a good relationship with the likes of Ben Doak doing well at the Riverside currently. The offer is said to be north of £10 million including add-ons and bonuses. The English international was wanted by Bauer Leverkusen in the summer and wants more playing time this season. As it stands, Dominic Shaq of The Northern Echo says that Liverpool are asking too much. It is definitely something to watch as the deadline approaches.
Morton to Boost Boro?
Middlesbrough have been linked with the likes of Glen Kamara over the window, and this shows what priorities the club have. The northeastern club have needed another solid midfielder to help the likes of Hayden Hackney and Aiden Morris. While it might be a stretch, adding a solid extra defender could help shore up a Boro defense that has been somewhat iffy lately. The Teeside back line tends to concede weird goals or from leading or tied positions, and the club realize that that can certainly be improved.
Morton would absolutely be a solid addition. He is a dependable starter who is good at keeping the ball. His excellent passing and understanding of tactics and how to dissect the opposition are also huge plus factors to the youngster’s game. His versatility and first touch would instantly make him one of the best midfielders in the Championship. Putting him next to the likes of Hackney and Morris could make that partnership one of the deadliest in the league
How Might Morton be Used?
Morton, should a deal be struck, would presumably go right into Middlesbrough’s starting eleven. With the likes of Aiden Morris having been the anchor of the Teesider midfield and has been sorely missed when out with an injury. Hayden Hackney, of course, would be in strong contention to start as well, but Michael Carrick likes to play a 4-2-3-1 typically and is not one to change his formation often.
However, with the types of attacking options that Carrick has available, a 4-3-3-1 might be something the Boro manager might consider. The emphasis on the attack this window has been a priority especially with the expected exit of Emmanuel Latte Lath. However, the likes of Tyler Morton would be hard to keep out of any Championship eleven and would bolster any team defensively.
If the talks come to anything, Middlesbrough would have to be one of the favorites in the Championship to go up to the Premier League. His skill and talent are so good and would instantly address probably one of the biggest weaknesses the Teesiders have.