Newcastle United are now attempting to raid Brighton and Hove Albion for a third time, this time targeting John Morling for a move to Tyneside.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Newcastle want to land Brighton’s academy manager Morling.
Newcastle paid £13million to raid Brighton for defender Dan Burn in January, who made an emotional move to his boyhood club.
Brighton’s technical director Dan Ashworth has resigned ahead of becoming Newcastle’s director of football later this year.
Brighton are therefore probably sick of the sight of Newcastle, but the Magpies seemingly have one more raid in mind.
Morling is being targeted for a key role in Newcastle’s academy, with PIF looking to land big additions not just to the first-team setup but also to the academy.
Morling has been with Brighton since 2012 but may now be tempted by a change of scenery – and a reunion with Ashworth at Newcastle.
Brighton’s youth development has been outstanding under Morling, with the likes of Robert Sanchez, Steven Alzate, Solly March and Evan Ferguson all playing in the first team.
The big success story was Ben White, who joined Brighton in 2014 having been released as a kid by Southampton.
Morling played a key role in developing White, and the defender ended up leaving for a £50million move to Arsenal last summer.
That’s what Newcastle would love to have; an academy that produces players for the first team or brings in cash.
For too long, Newcastle haven’t made the most of their youth academy and really need to start working on that.
Morling would be a fine start, with the Englishman working wonders at Brighton and potentially ideal to work with Ashworth at St James’ Park.
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