HITC Sport understands Newcastle United are closing in on a deal for Championship rivals’ striker
Daryl Murphy celebrates after scoring the third goal for Ipswich
Newcastle United are hopeful on a move for Ipswich Town striker Daryl Murphy, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in a big target man before the close of the transfer window and he has identified Murphy as his top target.
Murphy is a proven finisher in the Championship having scored over 50 goals in the last three seasons in the Championship and Benitez sees him as someone who can help his side win promotion back to the Premier League.
Republic of Ireland’s Daryl Murphy in action with Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci and Thiago Motta
The 33-year-old impressed with Republic Ireland at Euro 2016 starting in the games against Italy and France.
Murphy is in the final year of his contract at Ipswich and although the club are reluctant to sell their star striker they know selling Murphy for a big fee makes good business sense.
Ipswich Town’s Daryl Murphy and Brentford’s Liam Moore in action
Murphy initially joined Ipswich for the first of three loan spells under Roy Keane’s management in 2010 before signing permanently from Celtic in the summer of 2013.
In the 2014/15 campaign Murphy finished as the Championship’ top scorers with 27 goals as Ipswich reached the play-offs.
Daryl Murphy celebrates after scoring the second goal for Ipswich
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