Newcastle United are reportedly set to sign Alex Murphy but Irish outfit Galway United are insisting that ‘nothing has been agreed’ with the Premier League side just yet, as reported by the Connacht Tribune.
The last 12 months or so have seen a number of talented young players linked with a move across the Irish Sea.
Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic fought off competition from Hibernian to land the prolific Johnny Kenny from Sligo Rovers while also expressing an interest in Danny Mandroiu.
Drogheda United’s Killian Phillips, meanwhile, has agreed a move to Crystal Palace.
Murphy may be the next in line.
The teenage defender, who can play at centre-half or left-back, is a target for Brighton, Torino and a Celtic side who have signed a host of Irish youngsters in recent years, including Kenny.
According to RTE, Newcastle will win the race. Not that anything has been signed or sealed at this stage, however.
Will Alex Murphy join Newcastle United?
“Nothing has been agreed (with Murphy and Newcastle),” reads a statement from Galway United. “And no deal can be completed until Alex turns 18, which is (on) June 25th.”
Murphy has played eight times for Galway’s first-team this season, setting up two goals. He also signed his first professional contract in 2021, having made his debut for the League of Ireland First Division outfit a year ago.
“He’s only 17 and if he keeps performing well, I’d say maybe so (we’ll have to plan for life without him,” manager John Caulfield told the Irish Examiner in February.
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“So be it if he goes. And we’ll be happy for him.”
The report adds that Newcastle made an opening bid of around £85,000 a few months ago. West Brom are also keen, while Celtic’s Head of Academy scouting Willie McStay is watching Murphy too.
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