Lincoln boss Appleton hoping to beat Cobblers to Morton signing

Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton admits it would be 'hard to say no' if he was given the opportunity to sign Northampton target Callum Morton on loan from West Bromwich Albion.

The 20-year-old was instrumental in Cobblers' promotion last season having scored eight goals in 12 games - including three in the play-offs - after joining the club on loan in January.

Keith Curle is keen to re-sign the young forward ahead of Town's return to League One, however he faces strong competition.

A number of clubs are said to be interested in Morton's services, none more so than Appleton's Lincoln. The Imps boss worked with Morton for a brief time in 2019 when he coached West Brom's U23s side and was impressed by his progress at Northampton last season.

Morton is currently in negotiations with West Brom over a new contract and is expected to be loaned out once an agreement has been reached.

"Again it would be hard to say no," Appleton told Lincolnshire Live when asked about his hopes of signing Morton.

"I think there's going to be numerous clubs as well, similar to Alex where they're going to try to acquire their services.

"Hopefully my relationship with West Brom and knowing the players personally will give us a decent opportunity to try and get them."