Newcastle United have received an approach to loan out ‘impressive’ centre-back

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Newcastle United are currently focussed on signing a centre-back.

It is one of the Magpies’ top priorities before the transfer window closes, with Marc Guehi the top target.

However, that deal is hanging in the balance, with the conclusion to the transfer saga on the horizon – be it positive or negative. It has been reported that Newcastle will walk away from the Guehi deal if there is no agreement before this weekend.

If that is the case, Toon officials will be forced to look elsewhere. After Guehi, it is unclear who Newcastle’s next preferred option is. Joe Gomez’s asking price is too high for Newcastle right now, while Malick Thiaw and Trevoh Chalobah are other alternatives.

But while Eddie Howe is hoping that one centre-back will arrive, another could depart.

Newcastle youngster attracting Championship interest

As well as incomings, Newcastle United also need to work on outgoings before the summer transfer window closes on August 30th.

There are plenty of Toon youngsters who could benefit from a spell out on loan, one of which is Alex Murphy.

The 20-year-old made two Premier League appearances for Newcastle last season, and would have played a part in pre-season had it not been for injury. He has spent a lot of time with the senior side, with Eddie Howe calling Murphy ‘impressive’ in training last season.

It had been reported that Newcastle could loan Murphy out for the 2024/25 season, and now the Irish defender is attracting interest.

According to iNews, various Championship clubs are interested in Murphy. One of those clubs is Portsmouth, with iNews adding that they have approached Newcastle about a deal.

If that deal were to come to fruition, Murphy would be reunited with Matt Ritchie. After being released by Newcastle, Ritchie has signed for Portsmouth on a two-year deal, having previously expressed his desire to return to Fratton Park.

Newcastle must loan Murphy out whether they sign a centre-back or not

With Newcastle in need of another centre-back this summer, it could be argued that Murphy should stay at St James’ Park if Paul Mitchell fails to sign anyone. That would give Howe extra cover, while it would allow Murphy to continue training with the Newcastle first-team.

However, the fact he is a left-sided centre-back probably negates the need for him to remain on Tyneside. It is on the right where we need more bodies. In contrast, Dan Burn and Lloyd Kelly can play as left-sided centre-backs, as can Sven Botman when he is fit again.

For Murphy, he would benefit more from going out on loan and playing regular senior football. A chance to play in the Championship would be excellent for him, and it will be interesting to see if he makes that move before the transfer window closes on August 30th.