Sunderland have been tipped to fight Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest for Newcastle United’s Daryl Murphy.
Cheap? Check. Proven? Check. Knows the club? Check.
In more ways than one, Daryl Murphy would be the perfect addition for Sunderland this summer. If Black Cats supporters can forgive the fact he lifted the Championship title wearing the black and white stripes of Newcastle United last season, Simon Grayson could pull off one of the best deals this summer – on paper anyway.
Daryl Murphy knows Sunderland well
And the report adds that Sunderland, who do not have a senior striker in the squad after the departures of Jermain Defoe, Fabio Borini and Victor Anichebe, would welcome the Republic of Ireland international with open arms.
And with good reason. After making his breakthrough with Waterford United in the Irish Premier League, Murphy made his first steps in English football with Sunderland in 2005.
Though he didn’t exactly set the world alight, netting 14 league goals in 110 appearances, the Northern Echo reports that another spell in the North East would appeal.
Perfect in every way
And it’s fair to say Murphy’s scoring record after his five-year spell on Wearside suggests his return would not be purely sentimental. In six years at Ipswich Town, Murphy netted 61 goals, including a remarkable 27 in the 2015/16 season.
Furthermore, although he was used primarily as an experienced back-up at Newcastle, he still played an important role in the promotion winning season, netting five times and fulfilling his duties whenever he was called upon.
The report adds that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, who are both hoping to push towards the play-offs after dismal 2016/17 seasons, are ready to challenge for the veteran forward.
Though if Sunderland want to make their return to the second tier a flying visit, Murphy is exactly the kind of signing that ticks all the boxes.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
