Sources: Major update on Rangers bid to sign Murphy after Newcastle twist
Rangers will not be able to sign Jacob Murphy on a free transfer this summer as he has another year left on his Newcastle United contract, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
It has been widely reported that the 26-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the season.
But a Newcastle source has told Football Insider that is not the case as Murphy's contract actually runs until the summer of 2022.
It means potential buying clubs would need to agree a fee with the north-east giants, ending their hopes of a potential pre-contract agreement with the player before the season ends.
Rangers were keen on the versatile wide man last summer and again in January.
As revealed by this site, Rangers made a loan approach for Murphy along with Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Stoke City.
Steve Bruce blocked Murphy from going out on another season-long loan last September and has backed up his actions by handing the player a first-team role.
It remains to be seen if the former £10million man will be on the radar of Steven Gerrard's champions.
Much will depend on his Newcastle situation and if they look to tie him down to a new contract.
The source explained that it is too early to say if he will remain at St James' Park ahead of next season.
Murphy, who can play on either wing, had not played for Newcastle for 20 months before being recalled to Bruce's team in the EFL Cup in September.
He has gone on to make 24 appearances for United this season, including 10 Premier League starts and has thrived in a new wing-back role.