Brighton and Hove Albion winger Jamie Murphy is a reported target for Celtic – and James Forrest should perhaps be concerned.
You have to feel for Jamie Murphy. Featuring 35 times in the Championship as Brighton and Hove Albion finally sealed their return to the top flight after 34 years away, the attacking midfielder won’t even get the chance to step foot on Premier League soil.
According to Sky Sports, Murphy is likely to leave the Amex Stadium this summer with Brighton aiming to upgrade their squad to ensure their return to the top tier of English football is more than a flying visit. The report adds that along with Sunderland and Fulham, two sides who will hope to follow Brighton to the Premier League, Old Firm giants Celtic could be a potential destination.
Jamie Murphy started his career with Motherwell
All in all, the chance of playing in the Champions League and dominating domestically could compensate for missing out on arguably the most high-profile league in world football.
Yet, you do wonder what reports suggesting Celtic could pay £4 million for a 28-year-old who scored just twice last season mean for James Forrest.
De-Forrestation
The homegrown winger is already under pressure at Parkhead following the arrival of Jonny Hayes from Aberdeen while continued injury problems only reinforce the argument that he cannot be relied upon across an entire campaign.
If Hayes can reproduce the form that earned him a nomination for the Scottish Premiership’s Player of the Year award, Forrest will surely fall behind him in the pecking order on the right hand side of the attack.
Forrest’s place is under threat at Celtic
And, though Forrest is also capable on the left, the prospect of Murphy provding back-up to the mercurial Scott Sinclair would pose a further challenge for a player who is still yet to truly realise his potential at the age of 26.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
