Everton target Jacob Murphy in action for Newcastle
Everton target Jacob Murphy in action for Newcastle
The Toffees were one of several clubs interested in the right-winger, who was the subject of a £15million transfer bid from Nottingham Forest.
David Moyes' need for a new right-winger has arguably only grown after the departure of Iliman Ndiaye, though Tyrique George could offer the manager a new outlet on the right
Murphy was looked at early in the window by the Blues, with Anthony Elanga set to keep his place ahead of him at St. James' Park.
The Toffees clearly didn't get all the business that they wanted done before the deadline, and that could also include the failure to sign another winger.
However, there's always January, and Murphy is most likely still on Everton's radar considering his contract with the Magpies expires next summer.
Everton were told that Newcastle were open to selling Murphy in the summer window, but only if they had a replacement lined up.
Despite a desired £15m price tag being met by Nottingham Forest, the bid was too late in the window for the Geordie's to make a move for a replacement.
There's already under a year left on the 31-year-old's deal, which made the potential of signing him in the summer cheaper, let alone in the winter.
However, an update from the Daily Mail on Wednesday reports that Newcastle are set for contract talks with Murphy after he stayed with the club past the transfer window.
Club chiefs are looking to extend his terms by another 12 months, as head coach Matthias Jaissle sees value in the Englishman.
That said, Everton look unlikely to be able to secure any type of cheaper deal for Murphy in January.
There are big reasons why Everton may still look for a new right-winger in the winter, and it involves someone who is already at the club.
Why Everton will have to search right-winger market in January
There's no doubt about it; Everton are short of players on the right-hand side of attack.
Brennan Johnson feels like the only natural right-winger at the club, though George has shown early glimpses of why Moyes may play him there, especially with Jack Grealish now back at Hill Dickinson.
Tyler Dibling is showing signs that he will leave Everton in some capacity come January, and has yet to earn a single minute of Premier League football this term.
If the 20-year-old leaves either on loan or permanently, someone like Murphy could be a smart pick up.
However, Everton may need to start planning for other targets.