Football
Exclusive: Chelsea Target Tyler Morton in Case Adam Wharton Deal Proves Too Costly
Former Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton is being targeted by Chelsea if a deal to sign Adam Wharton falls through. The 23-year-old, now at Lyon, has impressed in France and has a close relationship with Chelsea's Liam Rosenior. Morton's asking price is lower than Wharton's, making him an attractive option. Stay tuned for updates on this potential transfer.
Olympique Lyonnais v Le Havre AC - Ligue 1 McDonald's 2025/2026 by Eurasia Sport Images | Getty Images
Tyler Morton, the former Liverpool midfielder, has emerged as a target for Chelsea if Crystal Palace prove unwilling to sell Adam Wharton, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The Eagles youngster is among a number of potential new signings Liam Rosenior, who earlier this month was unveiled as Enzo Maresca’s permanent replacement, has identified during discussions with Stamford Bridge’s hierarchy since making the switch to west London.
However, Morton’s name has also been mentioned in dispatches given his knowledge of English football and performances in France where, having initially been brought under the BlueCo umbrella a year-and-a-half ago after being installed at Strasbourg.
Crucially, Morton, now of Lyon, also boasts an intimate understanding of Rosenior’s methods after previously working with him at Hull City.
It was the former England under-21 international’s displays there, having been signed on loan by Rosenior during his spell in charge at the MKM Stadium, which ultimately persuaded Lyon to spend a reported £15m luring him away from Anfield.
STEWARDSHIP
Aged 23, Motion has already made over 20 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit and started their victory over Strasbourg, still under Rosenior’s stewardship, in October.
Despite putting pen to paper on a long-term contract with Paulo Fonseca’s employers, Morton’s asking price is also likely to be significantly lower than the money Palace would demand for Wharton who also counts the new Chelsea chief among a list of admirers including Real Madrid.
SportsBoom exclusively revealed Rosenior had been chosen as Maresca’s successor back in November, soon after The Blues were crowned World Club Champions under the Italian.
He was officially unveiled on Tuesday, declaring himself as “ready” to take charge of one of Europe’s biggest names despite lacking experience at the highest level.
Morton, who like Wharton prefers to operate in a defensive midfield role, joined City on a temporary basis in September 2023, making 41 appearances before returning to Anfield.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.