Newcastle United could make yet another U-turn over Alex Murphy during the January transfer window.
Murphy is a young defender often seen in the Newcastle United squad, although without ever really being given any minutes.
The 21-year-old has only ever made four appearances under Eddie Howe, for a total of 26 minutes.
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However, Newcastle stopped Murphy from leaving on loan during the summer transfer window, having already let Matt Targett depart.
The Irishman has made 15 squads this season and Howe has spoken about Newcastle’s long-term plans for Murphy.
Still, there could be yet another twist in the tale.
Newcastle United could let Alex Murphy leave on loan
According to The Athletic, Murphy is now one of the players the club would consider sending out on loan during the January transfer window.
The former Bolton loanee’s immediate future at the club will be based on whether several defensive players return from injury.
As it stands, Newcastle are facing an injury crisis in that particular department.
Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and Emil Krafth are all currently injured and their return dates remain unclear.
Along with Lewis Hall, Murphy is one of few natural options Howe has at left-back.
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Alex Murphy isn’t the only player Newcastle United have muddled thinking about
Murphy looks in a state of relative limbo right now.
From wanting to leave, to being told he must stay, to never playing, to being praised by Howe when he does play, to now potentially leaving again if a certain set of criteria is met.
The defender could be forgiven for being somewhat confused by the matter.
That’s also the case with teammate William Osula.
Osula was also stopped from leaving and enjoyed a brief return in the team before rumours started to swirl again.
Osula could leave Newcastle in January after all, along with Murphy.
It’s perhaps fair to say neither would have benefitted from the extra six months if they do leave. Neither have the club really, aside from having more options on the bench that they rarely used.
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