Derby sign striker Morris from Luton

Carlton Morris suffered back to back relegations with Luton Town

Derby County have signed striker Carlton Morris from Luton Town for an undisclosed fee.

The former Hatters captain has agreed a three-year deal at Pride Park and and is Derby's first recruit of the summer transfer window.

Morris made 38 Premier League appearances two seasons ago after helping Luton win promotion by scoring in a penalty shoot-out against Coventry City in 2023.

But they were relegated at the end of that season and back to League One last term, when Morris scored eight goals in 43 games.

"It's a massive club that I've heard a lot of good things about. When they came in for me, it was a bit of a no-brainer, really," he told the Rams website.

On his departure from Luton, he added: "It's emotional leaving them to be honest, but it's a new chapter for me. I think it would be good for them to have some new faces in the door and, hopefully, they can kick on as well."

Morris began his career at Norwich City and had several loan spells before signing for Barnsley in January 2021 and helping them reach the Championship play-offs at the end of that campaign.

"Carlton has been a big player for our football club for a long time now, and in the relatively short spell that we have worked with him, he has led by example and given everything for the cause," said Luton boss Matt Bloomfield.

"We understand his desire to continue his career at the highest level he can, and he leaves to join Derby with our best wishes."

The Rams will begin the new Championship season with a trip to Stoke City on 9 August, to be followed by a Carabao Cup trip to West Brom and their first home league game against Coventry.