Jacob Murphy is reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension at Newcastle United.
The 31-year-old almost left the Magpies to join Nottingham Forest on deadline day. Signed in 2017 by Rafa Benitez, Murphy has played 265 times for his boyhood club.
He was integral to Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup - grabbing an assist in the final - and qualifying for two Champions League campaigns. However, many Toon fans believe Murphy’s time at the club has run its course.
His form last season nosedived from the heights that saw him register 23 goal contributions in 2024-25. Anthony Elanga’s injury resulted in Murphy named on the team sheet for four consecutive games but he has struggled to make an impact.
Forest offered £15million to sign the winger on deadline day but Newcastle rejected their advances. Murphy - out of contract next summer - was understood to be keen on the move.
Matthias Jaissle valued Murphy as a key figure in the dressing room. His experience was seen as important given the high turnover of players during the transfer window.
Newcastle United close to agreement
The Daily Mail now report that Toon chiefs are close to agreeing an 18-month extension. This will tie Murphy down to Newcastle until 2028 but he could still leave the club at the end of the season.
For the Magpies, penning fresh terms allows them to avoid losing an asset for nothing. But the reaction to the news has divided opinion on social media.
Matthias Jaissle on Jacob Murphy
Jaissle discussed Murphy’s importance to the squad when speaking to reporters last month. He said: "He's a really important player for our squad, not only on the pitch, also off the pitch. A leader.
“On the pitch, he's so smart, so game-intelligent. He knows exactly his strength, and he knows how to deliver within our identity."