Derby County have struck a deal with Luton Town for striker Carlton Morris, clearing the way for the 29-year-old to leave Kenilworth Road once he completes a medical next week, according to a report.
Morris, who hit 39 goals in 137 outings for the Hatters, was the top scorer in the club’s fairytale rise to the Premier League in 2023. Two relegations in succession have since dragged Town into League One.
Midlands football reporter for the Daily Telegraph, John Percy, wrote on X: “#dcfc have agreed a fee with Luton Town for striker Carlton Morris, who is set for a medical next week on his return from holiday. Derby in for a number of other targets and have agreed deals with free agents Andreas Weimann & Danny Batth #ltfc.”
With Luton players beginning pre-season training back at The Brache today, Morris — who captained the side after Tom Lockyer suffered a heart attack in December 2023 while playing against Bournemouth in the Premier League — could be one of a number of high-profile players to exit Kenilworth Road in this transfer window, though a move would open space in Bloomfield’s squad, wage bill and transfer kitty as Town look to rebuild quickly in bid to return to the Championship at the earliest opportunity.
The Hatters have already confirmed the permanent re-signing of Kal Naismith and the free transfer of Millwall midfielder George Saville, both in their 30s, to add experience to the squad should Morris leave.
Luton boss Matt Bloomfield called the striker “a massive player for this football club” back in April, but despite his seniority in the first team, Morris struggled for goals last term, firing just eight — though he played through injury for months — having bagged 20 in his debut promotion-winning campaign for the club and then reaching a respectable double figures in the Premier League.
