‘Surprised’: Danny Murphy questions Newcastle man’s stance on reported West Ham target

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Danny Murphy has expressed his surprise on talkSPORT after Steve Bruce ruled out Newcastle signing Josh King this month.

The former midfielder also added that Bournemouth were being ‘too cute’ when they rejected a £13 million offer from West Ham for the hitman back in October.

Whilst Bruce made it clear to talkSPORT that Newcastle aren’t looking to add King to their ranks, it hasn’t stopped West Ham from searching for his signature once more now the transfer window has re-opened, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Nonetheless, Murphy was asked on air by co-presenter, Alex Crook, whether it makes you wonder why Bournemouth turned down West Ham’s £13m bid fo King back in October:

“Yes, it does,” responded Murphy. “It’s always a shame seeing a player of his quality not playing as much as he should be. But with the way his situation is you understand waiting for the contract to go down.

“Bournemouth maybe trying to be too cute there by batting people off against each other.

“I am surprised by Steve Bruce’s reaction to the question about Josh King because what have they got? One goal in eight? And actually, Newcastle strength is defensively. They can dig and get some clean sheets.

“I am surprised because more pace and more attacking flair at the top of the pitch is exactly what they need.”

Those in the Newcastle boardroom love a free-transfer and that was proven when they snapped up another Bournemouth player in Ryan Fraser last summer.

Given that King’s contract at Dean Court expires in six months, it may just result in Newcastle keeping one eye open in case he doesn’t move this month and then the Cherries don’t earn promotion from the Championship.

That is perhaps forcing West Ham on the back foot because whilst they could do with the added depth up top. They don’t exactly need a player of King’s services right now because they do have Michail Antonio leading the line – but his injury record doesn’t exactly fill those in East London with confidence.