Newcastle United striker Daryl Murphy is attracting interest from a host of Championship clubs with The Toon set to play in England’s top-flight in the upcoming season. The 34-year-old has alerted the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland et al, with the player admitting that Rafa Benitez has asked him to talk to clubs regarding a move this summer.
Aston Villa have shown intent in the transfer window backed by their majority shareholder Dr. Tony Xia and could be interested in the player’s services. Steve Bruce, at the helm of The Clarets, has worked with the player previously at Sunderland and is reportedly interested in a loan deal.
Daryl Murphy has been quite prolific in the Championship scoring 82 goals in 274 appearances and could bolster a fledgeling Villan attack. The Clarets hope to earn promotion to the Premier League next season and would look to add to the likes of Jonathan Kodija, Gabby Agbonlahor and Ross McCormack to get the goals flowing.
Murphy is also in the cross hairs of Nottingham Forest who are set to lose Britt Assombalonga. Simon Grayson’s Sunderland, in the wake of losing Jermain Defoe to Bournemouth, are also interested and could offer a way out for the 34-year-old. The Black Cats are devoid of any high-profile strikers at the moment with Victor Anichebe and Fabio Borini departing and Grayson could pull off arguably one of the best deals in the market by announcing Murphy.
The Republic of Ireland international knows the club well having played under then Sunderland manager Steve Bruce and could prove to be just what The Rokerites need in the window. The forward, also deployed as a winger from time to time, debuted in English football courtesy Sunderland who brought him in from Waterford United in the Irish Premier League.
The move makes practical sense for The Black Cats besides the underlying sentimentality involved, with Murphy putting in a good shift whenever called upon, in Newcastle’s promotion winning season. Murphy enjoyed his best spell with The Magpies in the 2015-16 season netting 27 goals.
It has become plainly obvious that the 34-year-old has to move this season in search of first-team opportunities and with an array of clubs interested in the player’s services, a move to Sunderland might appeal to Murphy. Aston Villa are also a good project this season boasting the likes of John Terry et al; and with Steve Bruce at the helm of affairs, could be on their way to earning promotion.
Murphy is known for his strong finishing ability and has a strong header. At 34 years old, he could still play for a Champion side of his choosing for a couple of years at least.
