The Newcastle United striker is familiar to Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce.
Newcastle United striker Daryl Murphy
Newcastle United will listen to offers for Daryl Murphy this summer, according to the player himself [The Chronicle].
Murphy scored five goals and created three in 19 Championship outings to help Newcastle to the title, but is expected to return to the second tier this coming campaign.
According to the bookies, Reading, Birmingham City and Ipswich Town could all be keen on the Republic of Ireland international, but should Aston Villa enter the running?
Why would Villa want him?
His record of 82 goals in 274 Championship appearances speaks for itself, and could come in handy with Villans striker Jonathan Kodjia set to miss the start of the season. If Ross McCormack is sold, Villa could be down to just Scott Hogan and Gabby Agbonlahor until the Ivorian returns. And, after losing Rudy Gestede and Libor Kozak in recent months, Murphy would restore some physical presence to Steve Bruce’s front line.
Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia
Would he move to Villa Park?
Why not, the Villans are without question the Championship’s biggest club and are unlikely to struggle when it comes to matching Murphy’s Newcastle wages, whereas others might. Bruce knows the 34-year-old from his time at Sunderland, but may not be able to guarantee a regular starting place.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Another reason it could happen…
Villa are not thought to have surplus cash available this summer, so Murphy, who only cost Newcastle £3 million in August, could be ideal for their budget. And if the Midlands outfit can recoup some of the £12 million they paid for McCormack, it is plausible they could turn a profit and still be better off. How many other strikers of Murphy’s quality could you get for a couple of million quid? Not many.
Should Aston Villa move for the Newcastle United striker?
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