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Rafa Benitez speaks highly of Newcastle United bound Jacob Murphy

Jacob Murphy of Norwich City celebrates scoring his teams first goal (REUTERS)
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Rafael Benitez has showered praise on Jacob Murphy.

Rafael Benitez has showered heaps of praise on Newcastle United’s new boy, Jacob Murphy, saying he is the type of player the club was looking for.

While Newcastle are yet to announce the deal officially, it is just a formality now.

The Magpies have agreed a £12 million deal with Norwich City for Murphy, as reported by The Mirror, earlier this week.

The 22-year-old is undergoing his medical in Dublin, as reported by The Chronicle, ahead of his move.

Jacob Murphy of Norwich City celebrates scoring his teams first goalJacob Murphy of Norwich City celebrates scoring his teams first goal

Benitez said that what he liked about Murphy was the desire that he showed to play for Newcastle.

The Spaniard adds that he was impressed with the “character” and “personality” shown by the player.

“I am really pleased with him because he has shown character and personality,” said Benitez, as quoted by The Chronicle. “His desire to play for Newcastle United was there.”

The former Liverpool manager said that Newcastle are being realistic in the transfer market. They are a newly promoted side and it is not easy for them to attract world class talents straightaway.

Newcastle United manager Rafa BenitezNewcastle United manager Rafa Benitez

Therefore, he is on the lookout for players who can do the job for him and the team. And that is the main thought process that worked behind signing Murphy.

“It’s the type of player we are looking for,” Benitez added. “It’s not that we are signing the top class players of the Premier League, we are signing the players we can.

“We are signing the players that can do a job for us.”

Newcastle are also closing in on signing Atletico Madrid defender Javier Manquillo. According to reports from Sky Sports, the Spaniard is undergoing his medical in Dublin ahead of the move.