Luca Murphy is a target for Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland and co after leaving Hartlepool United.
Coveted defender Luca Murphy has been slammed by Hartlepool United manager Craig Hignett after leaving the non-league outfit by mutual consent, as reported by the Northern Echo.
A talented teenager who has caught the eye of Premier League clubs such as Newcastle United, Tottenham, Leicester City, Manchester United, Cardiff and Wolverhampton Wanderers (TEAMtalk), the centre-back bid farewell to Hartlepool recently in controversial circumstances.
Murphy did not have a professional contract with the Victoria Park club and is now unattached after failing to come to an agreement over a new deal. The report adds that Leeds United and Sunderland are also interested.
Hignett clearly believes that Murphy has made the wrong choice.
“It’s down to attitude and bad advice. He said he didn’t want to be here, so see you later,” said the former Middlesbrough striker, who confirmed that Hartlepool would demand a compensation fee from Murphy’s next club.
“Luca isn’t ready yet and would be bullied if he played so he has to develop and I can’t say he will play 20 games next season yet because he’s not ready. He could move to a club, move into their Academy and eventually, possibly, to the Under-23s and then be scratching around for a club.
“By the time he’s 23 here he could have 150 games here like others will. He will have no men’s football by the time he’s 22-23, if he’s still around.’’
Hignett might have a point but the decision now rests on Murphy’s shoulders with clubs all throughout the Football League vying for his signature.
The likes of Leeds, Wolves and Sunderland should catch the centre-back’s eye given that they have a fine track record when it comes to bringing youngsters through the ranks.
But only time will tell whether Murphy should have waited around and honed his trade at Hartlepool.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
