Newcastle United signed Daryl Murphy from Ipswich Town last summer.
Rafael Benitez may just have sent a message to Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley through his comments to the Daily Mail about Daryl Murphy.
Reports have suggested that Newcastle owner Ashley could look to change the club’s transfer strategy once again (Chronicle).
The Magpies have given Benitez full control of transfers, as part of the conditions he demanded to stay on once they were relegated.
However, it has been suggested that Ashley is keen to ensure that Newcastle continue to sign young players with high re-sale value.
However, at his press conference yesterday, Benitez was quick to express the important of Murphy – the oldest player Newcastle signed last summer.
Murphy joined the Tynesiders from Ipswich Town and although he has not played regularly, the 33-year-old has proven his value recently.
Murphy scored for Newcastle against Birmingham City, before coming off the bench to grab the winner against Brentford in the league last weekend.
And Benitez said: “Signing a player like Murphy with experience of the Championship is paying dividends now.
“It has proved that you have to have a balance.”
Murphy could be in line to start for Newcastle later this evening, when they take on Birmingham in an FA Cup third round replay.
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