According to reports from the Daily Mail, as per Daily Record, Rangers are keeping a close eye at Newcastle United’s Jacob Murphy. MailSport states that the winger is on a list of potential Ibrox targets and is highly appreciated by boss Steven Gerrard.
Saturday’s clash against Dundee United saw Rangers run out 4-0 winners with Ianis Hagi and Scott Arfield impressing in attacking roles. However, the Blues lost three of their players to injuries during the course of the match, with Ryan Jack, Brandon Barker, and Alfredo Morelos limping off the pitch. Manager Steven Gerrard will be happy with the victory as it highlights the depth at his disposal but with two key players injured, he will be worried about future fixtures.
Fortunately, with the transfer window still open, it gives the Rangers management ample time to add a few more names to their squad in light of recent events. A central midfielder remains Gerrard’s priority, but the injury to Barker will push him to look for a capable winger as well. This has bolstered rumors of the Gers keeping tabs on Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy, who is out of contract the next summer.
Jacob Murphy was brought to the north coast from Norwich in the summer of 2017-18 after he impressed in a loan spell with Coventry City in League One, followed by a good showing in the Championship with Norwich. The quick winger had a hand in 19 and 16 goals respectively, which prompted the Tyneside club to secure his services for a modest £12m.
His move to Newcastle was underwhelming, to say the least. The player made 41 appearances over a year and a half and struggled to get on the scoresheet with just a goal and 3 assists to his name. The Englishman was loaned out to West Bromwich in January 2019, where he played 15 and scored 2 in his short spell there.
Subsequently, Sheffield Wednesday recruited him on a season-long loan deal. During his time in the Championship, Murphy became a key figure for Garry Monk’s side. He looked revitalised as he scored 9 and assisted 6 in his year-long loan. Now, at 25 years of age, Murphy will be looking for newer pastures to ensure he continues playing first-team football.
Reports from the Herald and Times Sport have emerged stating that the English forward might be interested in joining the Glasgow side on loan and be part of Gerrard’s revolution at Ibrox. However, Newcastle wants the winger to stay and fight for his place in the team.
So far this season, Gerrard has deployed a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, with Barker featuring on the right in the last two games. Now, with no news yet on the extent of his injury, the manager will need a replacement who can potentially fill the hole in the long term.
Jacob Murphy has a year left on his contract and should cost significantly lesser than what Newcastle shelled out for him. The Englishman would be a shrewd acquisition and will add more depth to the wide options already available to Gerrard at present.
However, they will need to move either of Barker, Jordan Jones, or Jamie Murphy on before they have the funds to sign him on a permanent deal. Perhaps, a loan move with an option to buy would be the preferred route for the club.
Rangers look formidable and may overwhelm Celtic by the end of the season. Injuries might prevent it though. Before the transfer window closes on October 5th, it is imperative to make sure there is enough backup in the squad to prevent Celtic win 10 Scottish Premiership titles in a row.