Newcastle United sign defender ahead of Celtic and Brighton

Newcastle United appear to be heading towards one of the most important summer transfer windows in the club’s history. They have already made tremendous progress under the management of Eddie Howe, going from a relegation battle to finishing at 11th in the Premier League table. Their next target has to be to challenge for a top six spot though.

It is not just the senior side that Newcastle United appear to have their eyes on improving though but also adding talent to their youth ranks as well.

They have managed to do just that. As reported by Newcastle United’s official website, the club confirmed that a deal is in place to sign Irish defender Alex Murphy from Galway United and he will be joining the club’s academy.

Murphy will be turning 18 years of age in June and he will be joining Newcastle United’s under-23s side the following month. Thus, the aim is on helping him develop through the youth ranks before hopefully moving up to the senior team in the future.

Newcastle United have agreed to sign the Irish youngster ahead of Celtic and Brighton & Hove Albion

Murphy is very highly rated and as reported by Newcastle World, Celtic, Torino and Brighton & Hove Albion were all interested in his signature but ultimately, it was the Magpies who came out on top.

While Murphy might still be just 17 years of age, he already has experience of playing senior football from his time at Galway United, having made his debut for the first-team at the age of 16.

He has also captained the Republic of Ireland under 18s side in the past. Another thing that catches the eye about the youngster is his versatility as he can play at both left-back and centre-back.

Thus, if Murphy can develop like he has till now, Newcastle United might have pulled off an inspired move here.