Newcastle United agree under the radar transfer as likely first summer signing

Newcastle United have won the race to sign highly-rated defender Alex Murphy, according to reports in Ireland.

The Galway United starlet has been the subject of interest from the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Celtic, Brighton and Torino but it’s the Magpies who are poised to seal his signature.

Talks have progressed well since Newcastle first reportedly showed interest in February, which should see Murphy complete a move to Tyneside when he turns 18 this summer.

Murphy will link up with the United academy, either joining Peter Ramage’s under-18s squad or Elliott Dickman’s under-23s.

Who is Alex Murphy?

Murphy joined Galway, who compete in the League of Ireland’s second-tier, from Corrib Celtic in 2019 as an under-15s player.

Described as a ‘versatitle defender’, Murphy quickly progressed through the ranks before signing a professional contract and making his senior debut last June as a 16-year-old.

He has made 19 first-team appearances since then, mostly as a left-back for John Caulfield’s side, and was even on standby for the Republic of Ireland under-21s squad in October.

Interestingly, Murphy is represented by Polaris Sports, the Jorge Mendes controlled firm that has expanded its Irish operation over the last six months.