According to recent reports, Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a huge blow to hopes of bringing Jacob Murphy to Ibrox this summer, as sources revealed information concerning the winger's contract.

The report by Football Insider claims that a Newcastle United source has revealed, contrary to reports his deal is expiring this summer, that Murphy will actually not be available to Rangers on a free transfer.

Indeed, the 26-year-old still has one year remaining on his deal at St. James' Park.

This will come as a shock, as Steven Gerrard's side would now have to agree a fee with Newcastle if they wish to land the £25,000-per-week forward this summer, potentially ruling the Ibrox club out of the race to land the former England U21 international on a permanent deal.

It goes without saying that a free transfer would have been far more attainable, so the surprise news that Murphy's contract is actually 12 months longer than was previously known is certainly a blow.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Murphy currently being valued at £3.15 million by Transfermarkt, a deal for the winger may not be out of financial reach for Rangers, although, with it previously being reported that the 26-year-old would be available for free, the news is likely to come as a blow to Ross Wilson and co.

With Newcastle having paid £10.17 million for Murphy back in 2017, should the Magpies attempt to recoup anywhere near this amount of the winger this summer, it is not a difficult scenario to imagine Rangers turning their attention elsewhere in the transfer market.

In other news: Sources lift lid on ‘strong interest’ in Gerrard; chief executive has link with the Gers boss – find out more here!