As per Football Insider, Newcastle United are planning to hold contract talks with Southampton target Jacob Murphy.
Toon eye Murphy contract
The Saints have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old (Football Insider), whose contract at St James’ Park will expire at the end of next season.
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However, it seems that the Magpies are eager to keep him at the club and will therefore aim to offer him a new deal. Both Rangers and Watford are also said to be in pursuit of the winger.
Resurgence
Murphy’s time at Newcastle appeared to be in doubt last term. He spent the previous season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and, although he managed nine goals and six assists in 39 Championship matches (Transfermarkt), it seemed unlikely that he would be able to break into Steve Bruce’s plans on a regular basis.
However, he has managed three goals and three assists in 26 matches in all competitions this term and he has ended up being a reliable player for Bruce. In recent weeks he has has been used at right-back, displaying his versatility to his manager, while he has also been lauded for his tremendous pace. Some pundits have also been impressed, with Noel Whelan calling him “fantastic” back in October.
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The report has also suggested he would cost just £3m if the Saints were to try and prise him away from the northeast – he could be a true bargain for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side. Unfortunately, a new deal for him on Tyneside would scupper the Saints’ chances of landing his services, so they will surely be hoping that an agreement cannot be reached between Murphy and his current employers.
In other news, Rangers eye this in-demand winger.
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