Rangers and Celtic both targeted Jamie Murphy during his Motherwell days – and are reported to have renewed their interest this summer.
The fact that Rangers continue to dally in negotiations to sign Hearts winger Jamie Walker remains a bone of contention for many supporters. After all, the 22-year-old plundered 15 goals in a brilliant 2016/17 campaign and Hearts’ £1 million valuation is hardly too outlandish, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
Therefore, it would certainly raise eyebrows if Rangers decided to pay far more for a winger six years older and with 13 fewer goals to his name in the season just gone.
Murphy scored just twice last season in 35 Championship games
Yet, Sky Sports claim that Rangers are in the mix to sign Brighton’s Jamie Murphy, a player the club value at £4 million despite believing he is unworthy of a chance in the Premier League. However, the report adds that Rangers will be forced to battle Old Firm rivals Celtic for Murphy’s signature – though not for the first time.
Valued at around £1 million, the Scotland Under-21 international was one of the most sought-after youngsters north of the border with Tottenham, Wigan, Crystal Palace and Rangers all following his progress according to the report.
Murphy, who eventually left Fir Park for Sheffield United two years later, has never quite fulfilled his potential. And, at 28, Brighton’s £4 million valuation may put him well beyond the price range of Rangers, who haven’t paid more than £2 million for a player since landing Nikica Jelavic in 2010.
Therefore, it appears that Rangers face missing out on Murphy once again unless Brighton substantially lower their price tag. On reflection, he would have looked a far more astute signing had The Gers brought him to Ibrox for a quarter of the fee six years ago.
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