Nottingham Forest leapfrog Birmingham in chase for Newcastle ace
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He may have turned 34-years-old in March, but Daryl Murphy still knows the way to goal. And though the striker appears to be surplus to requirements at newly-promoted Newcastle United, there’s plenty of interest in his signature.
Nottingham Forest are the new favourites to sign the Republic of Ireland international, with odds of a move to Mark Warburton’s side cut from 9/2 to just 5/4 this morning.
The veteran hitman played 18 times for the Magpies last term. But despite a campaign ravaged by injury and sporadic game-time, he still notched up an impressive six goals, as well as setting up the equaliser in a crucial win at Brighton & Hove Albion.
His recent form has also seen Murphy return to the national side, featuring in each of the last three games for the Boys in Green.
That’s unsurprisingly caught the eye of several clubs, and with Forest losing striker Britt Assombalonga to Middlesbrough earlier this week, they’re extremely keen to acquire his services. But they could face competition from another Midlands side.
Birmingham City have drifted to 5/1 (from 4/1) to pip Forest to the experienced striker’s signature, though Harry Redknapp has not been reticent to spend this summer – having doled out £3.5m on Marc Roberts from Barnsley.
While Newcastle fans wouldn’t be too distraught to see Murphy exit for either of those clubs, they’d surely take issue if he signed for the current third-favourites, Sunderland.
The Black Cats are 7/1 to reunite with the forward, who spent five seasons on Wearside from 2005-2010. However, having already signed a striker this summer in the shape of James Vaughan, new boss Simon Grayson will likely be focused on strengthening in other areas for the time being.
Ladbrokes Latest Betting:
Daryl Murphy – Club at end of Summer 2017 transfer window
Nottingham Forest – 5/4
Birmingham City – 5/1
Sunderland – 7/1
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
