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Newcastle United: Daryl Murphy set for Nottingham Forest exit

By Graeme Bell

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Newcastle player Daryl Murphy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Birmingham City and Newcastle United at St Andrews (stadium) on January 7, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Newcastle player Daryl Murphy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Birmingham City and Newcastle United at St Andrews (stadium) on January 7, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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A return to the Championship is on the cards.

Daryl Murphy looks set to leave Newcastle United, after Nottingham Forest are prepared to pay £2 million for the striker.

The Irish international was very much an unsung hero for the Magpies last season, scoring six times in 17 appearances. However, of those 17 appearances, only nine of them were from the start. Newcastle fans scratched their heads at the signing of Murphy last season, as the striker was a surprise signing by Rafael Benitez.

Murphy scored some vital goals for Newcastle last season. Brentford and Huddersfield Town away stick in the memory for sheer importance. Murphy also delivered in an important period for Newcastle, when Dwight Gayle was injured. The club needed someone to step up in Gayle’s absence, and the Irish international did exactly that.

The ultimate professional

Murphy is the ultimate professional, he waited patiently for a chance in the side, trained hard and was always positive he could do a job for the club. While Aleksandar Mitrovic struggled in front of goal, Murphy grabbed his chance with both hands. Not only did the striker score important goals, his hold-up play was exemplary at times. When Newcastle were under pressure, Murphy would slow the game down and allow the team to regroup.

While a lot of players would complain about a lack of game time, Murphy’s attitude was outstanding. The striker was 100% committed to helping the club reach the Premier League, even if his role was not as big as a Dwight Gayle.

Guarantees goals in the Championship

Providing the deal goes through, Forest will be getting a striker that guarantees goals in England’s second tier. During his time with Ipswich Town, Daryl Murphy was a constant menace for defenders, netting 61 times in 199 appearances in the league. The 34-year-old will add experience to the Forest side as well.

The Championship club offloaded Britt Assombalonga for a whopping £15 million to Middlesbrough. The arrival of Daryl Murphy will prove to be a very shrewd piece of business.

Proving the doubters wrong

Like Newcastle fans last summer, Forest fans will be bemused by the signing of Murphy. However, one thing is certain – the striker will prove his doubters wrong once again, just as he did last season.

Next: Newcastle United's new man Jacob Murphy gets to live out his dream

I wish him all the very best at Forest, I would have loved to have seen him given a chance in the Premier League with Newcastle this season. If Murphy ever returns to St James’ Park as an opposing player, he is sure to receive a warm reception.