According to reports on Chronicle Live, Newcastle United target Jacob Murphy is holding out for a move to St James’ Park with the Magpies currently in talks to sign the Norwich City winger after he turned down Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is keen to strengthen his side this summer in order to ensure that the newly-promoted team aren’t involved in a Premier League relegation battle next season, and he wants to bring in some quality in wide areas.
One player that he has been tracking is Canaries winger Jacob Murphy, and the Chronicle Live says the England Under-21 international has informed the Championship outfit that he wants the move to Tyneside having already rejected a move to the Eagles.
The report adds that Murphy is a Newcastle fan and wants to play for the club in the top flight, although the Toon Army will need to improve their offer having already had one bid for the 22-year-old turned down.
How did Murphy do last season?
Following a number of loan spells away from the club, the winger was finally given his chance to impress for Norwich City in the Championship and he took it with both hands.
The 22-year-old ended the campaign having scored nine goals and provided a further eight assists in 40 appearances in all competitions, making a huge impact from the right-hand side for the Canaries.
Murphy wasn’t finished there and he made a significant impact for England at the European Under-21 Championships this summer too after coming to set up the equaliser in the 2-1 win against Slovakia in the group stages, before scoring in the 3-0 success against Poland.
Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?
He certainly would be.
The 22-year-old almost always seems to make some sort of attacking impact when he is on the pitch and that could be vital as the Magpies look for creativity and goals in what could be a tough return to the Premier League.
Murphy has pace and has shown he has a good final ball, and the likes of Dwight Gayle could thrive on that service next term.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, if Murphy wants to move to Newcastle this summer then the situation is quite simple – the Magpies must pay Norwich whatever it takes to bring him to St James’ Park.
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