Jacob Murphy to Everton: Keith Wyness suggests chances of deal getting done
David Moyes is continuing to evaluate a potential deal to sign Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy to Everton this summer.
That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Scottish boss is currently assessing the 31-year-old’s personality.
The wideman is out of contract at St James’ Park in the summer of 2027, and he has been strongly linked with a move to Merseyside in recent weeks.
Wyness believes that a move for Murphy is not an “urgent” priority at the Hill Dickinson Stadium at the moment, but could form part of an effort to get more experience into the squad.
Everton have made two signings so far this window, in the form of promising youngsters Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George on permanent deals.
Wyness feels that the latter’s arrival on the wing has pushed a move for Murphy further down the pecking order, but he is also confident that the club’s interest still remains.
David Moyes searching for ‘blend’ with Jacob Murphy chase
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Moyes is searching for a “blend” of youth and experience in his squad by lining up a move for Murphy.
The former Sheffield Wednesday man notched just five league goal contributions in a difficult campaign at Newcastle last term, but previously managed an eye-catching 20 back in 2024-25.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained the likely reasoning behind Everton’s pursuit of the veteran.
“He’s out of contract next summer, and if I was going to be kind, I'd say it was justifying a blend of age and youth when you’ve got Hayden Hackney coming in and Tyrique George out there as well on the wing as well,” he said.
“That's where we saw Chelsea go wrong before in terms of having the right blend. So look, Murphy, no doubt if he had a fresh start under Moyes, he's still got a lot to give.
“He's a very talented, experienced player and that could work out. Moyes will evaluate him as a human being and his ability to add to the squad in terms of spirit and experience.
“I don't see it being the pressing need for Everton right now, but still it's one that may work. It’s one that is perhaps down the pecking order in terms of real urgent need right now for Everton.”
Everton backed to strike Murphy deal for ‘bargain fee’
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Murphy is “exactly” the kind of player that Moyes will be keen to work with.
The ex-recruitment man is a long-term ally of the Scottish boss, and feels that the Newcastle star would “tick a lot of boxes” for him due to his crossing ability and direct running.
Brown made it clear that Everton may be able to get Murphy for a “bargain fee” in the coming weeks, as a result of his contract situation in the North East.
He stressed that Moyes is a big fan of the quality that he provides, and thinks it would be no surprise to see a deal happen before the start of the season.