Jacob Murphy’s nemesis could join Sunderland after being transfer listed

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Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy will be paying close attention to who Sunderland could sign this summer.

Sunderland are back in the Premier League, which means they will be facing Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby. For the first time since 2016, the Magpies will entertain their biggest rivals at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe says Newcastle will embrace the derbies, having won his only clash with Sunderland so far since becoming manager on Tyneside. That came in last season’s FA Cup, with Newcastle beating Sunderland 3-0.

Sunderland interested in signing former Premier League defender

As the Mackems get set for their return to the top flight, they are eyeing up reinforcements. That could take them to France, as Regis Le Bris’ side aim to sign a new centre-back.

According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland are interested in signing Duje Caleta-Car from Lyon.

They report that the Croatian defender is no longer required by Lyon, who have placed him on the transfer list.

What Newcastle United star Jacob Murphy said about Duje Caleta-Car incident

That is a name that Jacob Murphy will certainly remember. Caleta-Car previously played for Southampton, and was involved in an incident with Murphy back in 2023.

The 28-year-old was sent off during the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United for two yellow cards. As he protested his innocence, Murphy waved Caleta-Car off the pitch in comical fashion.

The moment went viral instantly, as Murphy continued to cement his legacy as a meme machine.

However, Murphy recently admitted he regrets the incident.

• Who is Jacob Murphy? The Newcastle United star who has transformed under Eddie Howe

During an interview with the Athletic, Murphy said: “I regret that, because it was a bit unprofessional. I was annoyed because he was going around kicking everyone, so when he got sent off, I was like, ‘See ya’.”

Now Murphy could face Caleta-Car again, as Sunderland ponder bringing him to the Stadium of Light.

Meanwhile, Murphy is waiting to see who Newcastle United will bring in as competition for him on the right of attack. Anthony Elanga is a target for Newcastle, but Bryan Mbeumo has been deemed too expensive.

While reinforcements will threaten his place in the starting XI, Murphy is keen for Newcastle to add to the squad. Whoever arrives will share the load with the 30-year-old, as Newcastle prepare for more games after qualifying for the Champions League.