Jacob Murphy's new contract at Newcastle United will soon be announced, according to Shields Gazette journalist Liam Kennedy.

The lowdown

Murphy enjoyed a strong end to the season as Newcastle picked up 17 points from their final nine matches to comfortably stave off the prior threat of relegation.

Club legend Alan Shearer hailed him as 'excellent' in the 2-2 draw against Spurs in April, and Murphy then went onto fire Newcastle level in a comeback victory against Burnley a week later.

The Englishman also notched an assist for Joe Willock's winner against Sheffield United in the penultimate fixture.

His current contract is due to expire on 30 June, four years on from his arrival from Norwich City.

The latest

Kennedy insists that there are now 'few players more secure in the squad' after the 26-year-old's 'strong, mature performances'.

Prior to his upturn in form, 'the exit door was calling' for a player who had twice been loaned out.

The announcement of his new deal is 'on the way', but Kennedy does not specify how long the new contract will last.

The verdict

There's no question that this is the right move for Newcastle. Murphy came alive when he was needed most and should be a weekly starter if he starts next season as he finished the last.

He's such a valuable asset, particularly because of his versatility. Murphy can play anywhere on the right flank, fitting into numerous different systems.

Losing him for free on the back of the campaign he's just had would have been criminal, particularly with the future of Matt Ritchie also up in the air.

In other news, Steve Howey claims Newcastle could cash in on this injury-prone star.