NEWCASTLE MANAGER RAFA Benitez says Ireland striker Daryl Murphy will be allowed leave the club this summer if the right offer is received.
Murphy moved to St James’ Park in a €3.5 million deal from Ipswich last year but the 34-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Benitez as he prepares his side for a return to the Premier League.
The Waterford native scored six goals during Newcastle’s Championship-winning campaign but speaking in Dublin yesterday, Benitez made it clear that Murphy isn’t in his plans for this season.
“We are talking about different things in the Premier League and we have some clubs asking about him,” Benitez told the Irish Examiner.
“We have been chatting at training in recent days and he knows that if a club comes in, he will go on a permanent transfer, once the deal is best for him and us.
“I was really pleased with his contribution last season, not just because he played games and scored goals but he led by example, both in the dressing room and training. He was a positive influence on the team.”
Murphy has been the subject of interest from Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and his former club Sunderland and Benitez’s comments will put them on alert with Murphy’s goalscoring record in the Championship speaking for itself.
The Ireland international scored 67 goals in five seasons with Ipswich and will be keen to get regular first team football this season should Ireland qualify for next summer’s World Cup.
There was more positive news on the Newcastle future of goalkeeper Rob Elliot, with Benitez confirming he is in line to start the campaign as first choice.
“The main thing for Rob is to be fit and he’s training hard after playing the final three games of last season,” the Magpies boss added.
“He is a good goalkeeper but I want him to compete. You can’t have players that think this is easy because they are the only one in that position.
“Hopefully we can bring in a new goalkeeper, and this competition will be good for the team.”
Rafa Benitez was talking during a recent visit to Sports Direct’s new flagship Irish store at North Earl Street in Dublin today. NUFC’s new third kit is available at all Sports Direct stores and sportsdirect.com.
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