OPINION
It appears that striker Daryl Murphy could well be one of the first senior names out of the door at St James’ Park this summer.
After joining the Magpies last summer, he did exactly what he was asked to do by manager Rafael Benitez, using his Championship experience to help the club secure promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.
His five league goals in 19 appearances may not jump out at fans in the same way that Dwight Gayle’s 23 strikes do, but Murphy had a knack of scoring important goals when his side needed them most.
However, his time at Newcastle is likely to be a short stint, with the Irish Sun reporting that Aston Villa are keen on securing his signature, as well as Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.
While Villa could do a permanent deal with the Magpies, both Forest and the Black Cats would seek a loan move, something which is unlikely to be considered by the Newcastle hierarchy.
However, This is Futbol presents three reasons why a surprise loan move could work out for the Tyneside club, including a benefit which could see the Magpies secure Premier League survival: