Newcastle United make decision on winger amid mounting domestic transfer interest

NEWCASTLE UNITED will allow Jacob Murphy to join Everton if an acceptable deal can be agreed with the Merseyside club for the winger. Everton are understood to be lining up a move for Murphy, who recently entered the final 12 months of his current contract at St James’ Park. The 31-year-old has been an influential figure since joining Newcastle nine years ago, with Eddie Howe rating him extremely highly. Howe promoted Murphy to part of Newcastle’s senior leadership group last summer and handed the winger 46 appearances in all competitions last term. Nevertheless, there is an acceptance amongst Newcastle’s senior leadership team that it makes financial sense to move Murphy on this summer rather than allow him to leave as a free agent in 12 months’ time. There is also an acknowledgement that a lack of European football will reduce the playing demands on next season’s squad considerably, and could mean Murphy finds game time much harder to come by next term. The same consideration means Newcastle are also willing to listen to offers for midfielder Joe Willock this summer. READ MORE: The Magpies are in the midst of a significant overhaul that has already seen Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali depart, with Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur all arriving on Tyneside. Newcastle remain in discussions with Freiburg over Johan Manzambi, with the midfielder’s future set to be resolved soon following Switzerland’s World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina in the early hours of this morning. Newcastle are pushing to try to wrap up Manzambi’s signing as quickly as possible, mindful of the threat of other clubs making a counter-offer of their own. They are prepared for Everton to firm up their interest in Murphy, with the Toffees understood to have identified the winger as one of their leading summer targets. Dwight McNeil is set to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer, with West Ham United reportedly keen to sign him, which would leave Everton short of wide-attacking options. Re-signing Jack Grealish is one option currently being considered, although there have been suggestions that incoming Manchester City boss, Enzo Maresca, is prepared to give the midfielder another chance at the Etihad. That could prompt Everton to table a formal offer for Murphy, whose extensive Premier League experience is understood to appeal to David Moyes. Everton have signed Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George this summer, but Moyes wants to add some experience to the squad as well as bringing in a batch of younger players.