Norwich City’s reported Jacob Murphy demands suggest Newcastle United could be frustrated again

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United will have to double their opening offer for Norwich City winger Jacob Murphy – risking Rafael Benitez’s ire.

With frustration growing at the lack of new faces arriving at St James’ Park this summer, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez demanded the club make an improved offer to avoid missing out on Norwich City winger Jacob Murphy, as reported by The Telegraph.

The Magpies had already had an £8 million bid for the England Under-21 star rejected and, according to The Northern Echo, they have now heeded Benitez’s warning with a ‘take it or leave it’ £10 million offer.

Murphy helped England reach the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals this summer

Yet, it appears that Norwich are prepared to play hard ball over the future of their prized asset. Because the report adds that they will demand Newcastle pay £16 million for Murphy this summer – double their original bid.

And it’s fair to say this is a sizeable sum for a player who has never kicked a ball in the Premier League, despite his undoubted potential.

Therefore, although the strained relationships on Tyneside mean Benitez’s future is likely to come under question once again if Newcastle cannot lure Murphy to the North East, the obscene asking price would surely justify the newly promoted club taking their interest elsewhere.

Double or quits?

Benitez is understood to be in the market for a winger with the future of out-of-contract Yoan Gouffran uncertain and Leicester City prospect Demarai Gray looking more like a pipe dream than a realistic transfer target.

The question, however, is how the Spaniard would react if Newcastle refuse to entertain Norwich’s demands for Murphy, who scored nine goals and set up six more in 2016/17.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez could be frustrated again

With only Florian Lejeune and Christian Atsu through the door, and the new Premier League season looming over the horizon, Newcastle need players in and fast.

Though it’s difficult to argue doubling your bid, and almost breaking your transfer record, for a player completely unproven above Championship level.