Exclusive: Lee Hendrie reveals what's "surprised" him about Derby County signing Luton Town ace Carlton Morris | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie spoke exclusively to Football League World about Derby County's impending signing of Luton Town's Carlton Morris

Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has revealed exactly what has surprised him about Derby County's impending signing of Luton Town star Carlton Morris.

John Eustace is being backed by the Derby hierarchy ahead of his first full season in charge at Pride Park after keeping the Rams in the Championship on the final day last term, having left Blackburn Rovers to succeed Paul Warne back in February.

There is a school of thought that Derby could kick on and progress up the second-tier table with a full pre-season and campaign under Eustace, who is looking to bring a clutch of exciting acquisitions to the East Midlands in the coming days and weeks.

Derby have recently been linked with Liverpool full-back Owen Beck, who Eustace signed on loan for Blackburn last season. Meanwhile, John Percy of the Telegraph reported on Saturday afternoon that Derby have struck deals for Blackburn duo Danny Batth and ex-Ram Andi Weimann, both of whom also played under Eustace at Ewood Park.

Percy's update also revealed that the Rams have agreed a deal with Luton for Morris, with the striker poised to undertake a medical at some point this week once he returns from holiday.

29-year-old Morris was part of the Hatters squad that suffered successive relegations from the Premier League to League One, although he did score eight goals last season and struck the back of the net on an impressive eleven occasions in the top-flight.

Notably, the powerful frontman inspired the Hatters' first-ever Premier League promotion via the play-offs by registering 20 goals and seven assists in his debut campaign at Kenilworth Road, where he established himself as one of the most feared strikers at Championship level.

Lee Hendrie reveals what has surprised him about Carlton Morris' impending switch from Luton Town to Derby County

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie revealed why he is surprised to see Morris closing in on a switch to Pride Park.

FLW asked Hendrie if he is surprised to see Morris edging closer to joining Derby as opposed to an outright promotion contender considering that the Rams were in a relegation battle last time out - even though Eustace's side are expected to find themselves higher up the table in 25/26 - and the pundit explained that's exactly what has left him somewhat shocked at the news.

"I think I am [surprised] to be quite honest," Hendrie told FLW.

You look at his numbers and what he brings in that centre-forward role, you would've thought that would've been the case [joining a Championship promotion contender].

"But I suppose you can put it down to certain styles managers want to play and whether he fits that style. He's been a very good focal point for Luton and could be for most sides, you would've thought that one of the top Championship sides would've taken a punt on him.

"If he plays to his potential, you've got a really good striker on his hands. I'm surprised that one of the top Championship clubs hasn't tried to take him, but I think Derby are on the up and it will be a really good signing for them."

Derby County will hope Luton Town's Carlton Morris can rediscover goalscoring touch

There is an undeniable risk element to Derby's impending signing of Morris, who struggled to rediscover his goalscoring form in the Championship last season and particularly struggled following the mid-season appointment of Matt Bloomfield by scoring once in just 20 appearances throughout 2025.

It's worth noting, however, that the ex-Norwich City and Barnsley man was in a sorely-struggling side and received very limited service, too. Alfie Doughty's injury setbacks last term didn't help matters for neither Luton nor Morris, who has been a key beneficiary from the wing-back's dangerous deliveries into the 18-yard box, and Derby will need to facilitate him by recruiting stronger, more creative options in wide areas than what is currently at Eustace's disposal.

However, if Morris can revive his fortunes infront of goal and exhibit similar performance levels to his first two seasons with the Hatters, then this could turn out to mark sensational business for Derby.

Not only a huge goal threat at his best, Morris brings a huge physical presence which allows him to draw in opposition defenders and create space for teammates, seeing him provide plenty of assists during his time at Luton.