'Done for a bargain fee' - Jacob Murphy to Everton update from David Moyes ally

Everton have set their sights on a deal for Newcastle United star Jacob Murphy to add quality and depth to their wide areas.

The 31-year-old has become a key player under Eddie Howe in recent seasons, but with Newcastle aiming to improve after a disappointing season, he could now be made available.

With just one year remaining on his contract at St James' Park, Everton are keeping a close eye on his situation and could pounce as they aim to bolster their squad.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that David Moyes is a "big fan" of Murphy and Everton believe a "bargain" deal may now be possible.

Moyes is keen to strengthen in a number of key positions this summer, and the addition of a hard-working, reliable winger is exactly the type of deal he is keen to do.

Murphy has been described as a "typical Moyes-type player", and while Everton are perusing deals outside of that normal framework, they are keen to back the boss.

Could Everton make a move for Jacob Murphy?

Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 15 July that Newcastle are bracing to lose Murphy in a move that could come as another blow to their plans.

The Magpies have already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, with Bruno Guimaraes heavily tipped to move on, and Murphy could follow them out.

With just one year remaining on his contract, Everton are prepared to do a cut-price deal, with Moyes looking to lure him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

"Jacob Murphy is exactly the type of player David Moyes likes to work with," Brown, who is a long-time ally of the Everton boss, told Football Insider.

"He's hard-working, experienced, reliable, he's a direct winger who likes to get down the line and get crosses into the box, so he could suit what Everton are trying to do.

"In the last few windows, they've been bringing in more technical players like Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, but Murphy is a different type of player to both of those.

"You need to find a balance in the squad, and Moyes likes to have players who he knows are going to give him 100 per cent every week.

"So now when there's a possibility Murphy could leave Newcastle, of course Everton are going to be interested, because he ticks a lot of boxes in a position they need to strengthen.

"You mention his contract situation, so they could get it done for a bargain fee, and that would be a very good deal for Everton."

How do Newcastle feel about selling Murphy?

Despite Murphy's contract situation, his future will largely depend on whether or not Newcastle are willing to part ways with another key player in this window.

Everton are keeping a close eye on his situation in case he does become available and could look to take advantage of what has been a messy summer at St James' Park.

However, Football Insider revealed in April that Howe is extremely reluctant to lose Murphy, who he has relied upon as an imporant part of his squad in recent years.

Sources have indicated that the boss is keen to keep him around as a valuable member of his squad on and off the pitch despite his contract situation.

Murphy made 46 appearances across all competitions last season, and while Newcastle are hoping to add to their squad, he has proven to be a reliable asset.