Versatile, talented and playing the best football of his Premier League career; why on earth would Newcastle United not hand Jacob Murphy a new contract?
Did we mention he is a boyhood, dyed-in-the-wool Magpies fanatic?
It almost doesn’t need saying then that, if Steve Bruce’s Newcastle let Murphy go during the summer transfer window, it will go down about as well as a Hog Roast fan at the International Vegan Festival.
The Sun reports that Steven Gerrard’s title-winning Rangers side have expressed their interest in the former England U21 international.
Southampton, Burnley and Premier League newcomers Watford are keen too, with Murphy understood to be valued at a bargain £6 million with just over a year left on his current deal.
Now, Newcastle are planning to open contract talks with their winger-turned-right-back, a £12 million signing from Norwich in 2017.
For now, however, the concerns among a beaten-down Magpies fanbase are understandable.
These put-upon supporters are used to seeing their favourite players depart. And if negotiations hit an impasse, there is no shortage of clubs willing to take Murphy off Newcastle’s hands before the ever-improving 26-year-old becomes a free agent.
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