Updated at 20:30
IPSWICH FORWARD DARYL Murphy is set to complete a move to fellow Championship side Newcastle United.
The 33-year-old was left out of Mick McCarthy’s matchday squad for today’s victory over Preston, with the former Ireland manager confirming after the game that Murphy was to leave the club.
“It’s a really good move for him in his career, at his age, and it’s good for us,” McCarthy told BBC Radio Suffolk.
“I told the lads ‘come on, let’s get the elephant out of the room. Murphy’s going to Newcastle, let’s get on it’.
The former Waterford United man, who was part of the Ireland squad during Euro 2016, was the Championship’s top scorer with 27 goals in the 2014-15 season, but managed just 10 goals last term.
“He asked for the transfer and we’ve agreed it. I think it’s one of those deals that if we didn’t let him go I don’t know how much we’d get out of him for a few weeks, and I get that,” the Ipswich manager continued.
“I’ve got no animosity towards him. I understand why he wants to move because it’s Newcastle, and I said to him if somebody asked me I’d be sorely tempted and all.”
Murphy, who made 114 appearances for North East rivals Sunderland between 2005 and 2010, has failed to score for the national side in 22 appearances.
Rafael Benitez has brought in nine players so far this summer to St James’ Park, as Newcastle aim to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, including Ireland defender Ciaran Clark from Aston Villa.
Brentford playmaker Alan Judge who is recovering from a broken leg, has also been linked with a move to the Magpies before Wednesday’s deadline, and would join goalkeeper Rob Elliot in the Newcastle squad.
Meanwhile, McCarthy already has eye on Murphy’s replacement in the shape of former Newcastle United and Ireland striker Leon Best, who is on trial at the Portman Road club.
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