Ipswich Town’s Daryl Murphy is set to join Newcastle United.
Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has told his club’s reporters that Daryl Murphy is to join Newcastle United after revealing the striker made his intentions clear in regards to moving to Tyneside.
As reported by a HITC exclusive earlier on Saturday, Newcastle were said to be hopeful of concluding a deal for Murphy as boss Rafa Benitez searches for added firepower ahead of the deadline.
The Magpies haven’t been shy in bolstering their squad this summer, and yet after the opening Championship fixtures many felt they were still missing that key element in the final third.
Ipswich Town’s Daryl Murphy and Brentford’s Liam Moore in action
Dwight Gayle is Newcastle’s leading scorer following his switch from Crystal Palace, but Murphy is a different kind of player and one who could help get the best out of the Toon Army’s attacking players.
Commenting after Ipswich’s slender win over Preston North End, McCarthy told reporters that losing Murphy to Newcastle is a disappointment but he understands the player’s decision to move.
“He’s going to Newcastle, he has put in a transfer request. Good luck to him, he’s been a great servant for me, he’s been terrific,” McCarthy told reporters.
Murphy, 33, was in the final year of his contract at Ipswich and two seasons ago he topped the Championship’s scoring charts with an impressive 27 strikes.
Republic of Ireland’s Daryl Murphy in action with Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci and Thiago Motta
The Republic of Ireland international is very much a target man who is dangerous in the air, powerful on the turn and able to link up with his teammates in the final third.
Some may feel Newcastle should be targeting a younger striker, yet Benitez has identified Murphy as his top target for a reason and his Championshp experience will play a key role in the club’s promotion bid.
Daryl Murphy celebrates after scoring the third goal for Ipswich
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