Newcastle United will let Championship specialist Daryl Murphy go – and Burnley’s Ashley Barnes could step up to the mark.
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley broke the mould by allowing the club to sign Daryl Murphy last summer. Aged 33, and with next to no re-sale value, bringing the experienced hitman to St James’ completely went against his preference for young, cheap and under-the-radar talents.
However, while Murphy may have started just seven Championship games last season, he certainly proved his worth. Netting five goals and filling in admirably when Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic were absent just after the new year, the Republic of Ireland international did exactly what the club wanted from him.
He helped them win promotion. A player who had spent almost all of his career in the Championship, it makes sense then that Newcastle would listen to offers once they secured their return to the Premier League.
Therefore, The Sun reports that The Magpies will let their short-term solution leave the North East this summer.
And the Daily Mirror reports that the club may have identified a player similar in style yet proven in the top flight of English football.
Like-for-like?
£6 million may seem like a lot for a player with just six Premier League goals to his name this season but Burnley warrior Ashley Barnes could prove an astute addition to Newcastle’s squad.
During two top flight campaigns with The Clarets, his hard-work, hold-up play and tenacious attitude has provided manager Sean Dyche with an invaluable outlet up top, ensuring the club’s rather limited midfielders always have an option available.
Furthermore, he’s five years younger than Murphy while possessing largely the same attributes.
It appears Newcastle’s reported interest is something of a like-for-like upgrade. They want to replace a proven Championship targetman with a proven Premier League targetman.
It makes sense when you say it like that.
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