Rangers bid to sign Jacob Murphy was dealt a potentially fatal blow in the last fortnight after the forward played – and starred – for Newcastle United in the EFL Cup and was rewarded with game time in the Premier League at the weekend.
Steve Bruce has praised the 25-year old’s return to form but still faces a fight to retain his services with the player entering the last season of his contract, and Kevin Phillips believes that if the Light Blues can get the deal done, it would be a tremendous bit of business by the club, as reported by Football Insider.
So what has Phillips said?
When asked to reflect on the recent speculation linking Murphy with a move to the Scottish Premiership, he said:
“Murphy put himself in the shop window with his performance in midweek.
“He scored a great goal.
“A player that possesses that amount of quality would perform in the Scottish Premiership.
“It will be interesting to see who arrives at Rangers before the window shuts. (Daniel) Johnson and Murphy would add great quality to their squad and help them challenge Celtic for the title.
“Murphy’s similar to Scott Sinclair but he’s probably a bit more dynamic than what Scott was.”
So is Phillips correct?
Murphy had a decent season last year on loan with Sheffield Wednesday which has seen Bruce take another look at him, but the Magpies now face a decision, either offer him a new contract or risk losing him for nothing.
Would Murphy have a similar impact to Sinclair?
Yes
No
Rangers won’t be able to match the wages that he could get in the Premier League, but what they can do is offer the possibility of European football and winning trophies, he would also be almost guaranteed game time every week – if, of course, he performs.
Murphy is a good player, he just hasn’t settled or been used properly at Newcastle and like Scott Sinclair, a move to Scotland could reinvigorate his career, and if he produce the same numbers, there is every chance he could become a club legend at the same time.