As Garry Monk closes in on the Middlesbrough job, he can start to focus on new signings. Daryl Murphy could make a great buy.
Garry Monk is set to land the Middlesbrough job after quitting Leeds United last month, according to the BBC.
Boro were relegated last season as Aitor Karanka and Steve Agnew both failed to inspire the Teessiders, who had waited seven years for a return to the Premier League.
Monk will now hope he can quickly restore Boro to the top flight, but he has work to do in the transfer market ahead of the new Championship campaign.
Boro’s first priority must be to bring in a goalscorer, having netted just 27 times last term – less than any other Premier League club – and also scored less than the rest of the top six as they were promoted the year before.
Leeds enjoyed an impressive season under Monk with Chris Wood as a 27-goal focal point and Boro lack a similar figure, with even Alvaro Negredo, after a somewhat underwhelming season, leaving at the end of his loan deal.
However, one man with a proven track record who is available – and already based in the North East – is Newcastle United’s Daryl Murphy.
The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed a 27-goal season of his own in 2014-15 and, despite being a peripheral figure at St James’ Park, he scored some key goals as the Magpies were promoted.
Murphy, who has also played for Sunderland, is available – according to the Chronicle – and would be relatively cheap, giving Monk the opportunity to bring in his combined firepower and experience.
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