Newcastle United are set to block any attempt by Huddersfield Town to sign Jacob Murphy on loan, according to the Chronicle.
The Mirror has reported that Terriers are desperate to improve their attacking options, and have identified the 23-year-old as a potential recruit in January.
However it is now understood that Rafa Benitez is unwilling to allow the move to go ahead.
Murphy was signed from Norwich City for around £10 million in the summer of 2017, but has seen his first team opportunities severely limited this season, starting only three matches.
Benitez has also been open in his desire to bring in a new creative midfielder this winter – a move that could further limit Murphy’s playing time.
OPINION
It makes sense that Benitez is unwilling to allow Murphy out on loan, especially to Huddersfield. Newcastle are still fully embroiled in a relegation battle, and lending a player to a direct rival, especially when your own squad is low on numbers, isn’t exactly a smart idea. Murphy has been disappointing so far this season, and has barely been given a chance to justify his £10 million price tag, but with Newcastle’s limited numbers, the hectic fixture schedule they have had to endure, and the possibility of injury, he could still come into the side to play a crucial role. The likelihood of this is heightened by Kenedy’s current form. The Brazilian has been so poor recently that it was a little surprise that Benitez omitted him from his match day squad for 1-1 draw with Watford over the weekend. If his performances don’t improve soon, it could easily offer Murphy a chance at redemption.