Report: Newcastle eyeing England Under-21 international, deal could cost £12m
By Derek Smithson
Newcastle are considering a move for Norwich midfielder Jacob Murphy, according to a report.
The Chronicle claim that the Magpies scout Steve Nickson is watching the winger at the Under-21s European Championships, where he has helped England reach a semi-final.
It is understood that Rafael Benitez’s side want to strike a deal at £8million for the 22-year-old, but Championship club Norwich will look for closer to £12million for his signature.
The report details that the north-east club are also looking at Leicester duo Tom Lawrence and Demarai Gray as they look to strengthen their wide area.
Murphy is currently on international duty with the young Lions and played in every group game, including scoring a vital goal in a 3-0 win over Poland.
The left winger will now hope to earn a starting berth as the Under-21s face rivals Germany on Tuesday in a semi-final showdown.
His performances have been watched by St James’ Park representatives this summer and he went into the tournament in good form.
Murphy is a product of the Norwich academy and has established himself as an important first team player at Carrow Road, while his brother Josh also plays in the team as a winger.
He made 40 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring nine goals and supplying eight assists in return.
Murphy has enjoyed a number of loan spells as a youngster, but made his real breakthrough last season for the Canaries.
Football Insider verdict:
Murphy is an exciting talent that has the potential to take the Premier League by storm, with his direct approach and pace something that defenders find difficult to deal with. The 22-year-old is now reaching a crucial stage of his career where he needs to be demanding first team football, something that wouldn’t necessarily be guaranteed at St James’ Park. He is yet to play in the top flight during his career and it’s only his recent displays in the Under-21s European Championships that have seen clubs circle for him. Newcastle could try wrap up a £12million deal for Murphy and see him as a long-term investment, but they also need to be looking at players with Premier League experience already under their belt to make an immediate impact next year.
In other Newcastle transfer news, they are eyeing a move for an international defender.
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