A host of clubs including Leeds United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are battling it out for teenage defender Luca Murphy, according to TEAMtalk.
The outlet claims that the 17-year-old, who has left National League side Hartlepool United by mutual consent, is on the radar of a number of England’s biggest teams.
Premier League sides Newcastle, Spurs, Manchester United, Cardiff City, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all reportedly scouted and shown an interested in Murphy in recent months, while Football League outfits Leeds, Middlesbrough, Brentford, Sheffield United, Barnsley and Sunderland are also in the hunt.
Hartlepool are said to have come to the realisation that Murphy’s departure is inevitable, despite the player’s mooted January move to Fulham having broken down.
Good move for Leeds, Newcastle, Tottenham, Wolves?
Murphy is certainly someone who is held in high regard by the footballing fraternity, you just have to look at the number of teams being linked with him here to see that. From a financial point of view this would be a good deal.
The player is now a free agent meaning that no transfer fee is required, making him an ideal out-of-window signing. At 17 years of age the focus will, no doubt, be on the future.
It’s about the long term for Murphy, he wouldn’t be coming in and starting for Spurs or Leeds from day one. However, his potential appears to be high and so this seems like a deal that’s worth taking a punt on.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
It would be a huge surprise if one of the aforementioned teams didn’t snap Murphy up. Being a former Hartlepool man he is obviously well versed with the North East so you wonder whether Newcastle, Boro and Sunderland might have the advantage in negotiations.
However, when teams like Manchester United and Tottenham come calling it’s obviously difficult to say no. It’s likely he’ll move to one of these sides, but which one is anyone’s guess.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10