Rangers’ hopes of signing Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy appear to be over after Steve Bruce ruled out letting him go.
The Magpies beat Morecambe 7-0 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, and Murphy played a vital role in the thrashing.
The 25-year-old picked up a goal and an assist against the League Two side, and looked dangerous throughout as he was given a start on the right flank.
Murphy spent last season on loan, starring at Sheffield Wednesday with nine goals in 39 appearances for the Owls before heading back to Tyneside.
Murphy is now fighting to show that he is worthy of first-team playing time under Steve Bruce, and whilst it was only against a fourth-tier side last night, his display has served as a reminder of his ability.
Rangers have been pursuing Murphy, with the Daily Record reporting in August that Steven Gerrard admires the winger and wants him at Ibrox.
With no deal struck, Murphy has been able to prove his worth to Newcastle, and boss Bruce has now ruled out a deal for him to leave.
Bruce claims Murphy now deserves to stay at Newcastle having shown ‘great attitude’ in pre-season, and has now given Newcastle ‘food for thought’ having improved ‘enormously’ – and Rangers seemingly have to look elsewhere for a new winger.
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