Rangers have been linked with Jacob Murphy for most of the season with the Newcastle United forward’s future far from certain.
It had been thought that the 26-year old was going to be out of contract in the summer but recent reports have confirmed that he still has 12-months to run on the five-year deal he signed after moving from Norwich City for £12million in 2017.
With Steven Gerrard said to still be an admirer, Kevin Phillips – speaking to Football Insider – believes that it would be a great move for both parties, however, he would be surprised if the Magpies aren’t trying to keep him:
“I think Newcastle should offer him a new deal but a lot depends on what has been made available to Bruce in the summer and if Bruce will even be there beyond the summer. Is he going to get money to be able to enhance the squad?
“Jacob Murphy has done very well when called upon this season. If Rangers got the opportunity to sign him, I think he would be a great for them.
“At Newcastle he has showed that he has good quality. Why would they not want to try and re-sign him?
“Why not offer someone who knows the club and has proven that he can perform a new deal? I would get him tied down to a two or three-year extension.”
Murphy is an immediate upgrade on what we currently have and if the £3m transfer fee being banded about is accurate, it makes great sense, he is proven in the Premier League and Championship and is at a stage of his career where he must be sick of relegation battles.
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We have seen before how Gerrard can attract players that wouldn’t normally head north and this is one signing that would be a huge sign of intent with an even bigger season on the horizon.