Agent in talks to trigger Newcastle move for speed machine, claims this will seal deal – report

By Harry Sykes

If Newcastle want to sign Jacob Murphy from Norwich they are going to have to pay over £10m, according to a report.

In a previous report from the Northern Echo, it was claimed that Newcastle were going to make a final "take it or leave it" offer of £10million for Murphy, with managing director Lee Charnley unwilling to get into a bidding war for the exciting forward.

However, if Benitez really wants his man, £10million isn't going to be enough, if the latest report in the transfer saga is true.

The Chronicle Live claim that Norwich believe they are in a strong bargaining position and, despite the player being keen on a move to Newcastle, can bed in and sit tight for a hefty fee.

Murphy is under contract at Carrow Road until 2021, which means the balance of power lies with Norwich.

The Chronicle claims the player's agent went to the Norwich chiefs to find out what price would trigger the deal, and it is understood to be close to £16million.

That's a long way from Newcastle's opening gambit of £8million and another £6million on top of the Magpies' 'final' offer.

All of which suggests even more frustration for Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, who has only managed to secure two transfers thus far this summer – a permanent deal for Christian Atsu and the £8.5million caprute of centre back Florian Lejeune from Eibar.

In other Newcastle transfer news, the Magpies are offering first-team football to this PL youngster desperate for more game time.

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