Leeds reportedly looking to pip invincible league winners & Bundesliga giants to winger – originally posted on Sportslens.com
According to Football Insider, Leeds United have joined Rangers in the race for Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy ahead of the summer transfer window.
Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa wants quality attacking reinforcements at the end of the campaign and has reportedly reignited interest in Rangers’ Ryan Kent.
However, the Liverpool academy graduate is not likely to leave Ibrox this summer with Champions League football available next term.
Leeds are looking elsewhere for other options, and Murphy appears to have caught Bielsa’s eyes.
Rangers were keen on the Newcastle man in January and could be looking to revive interest in the summer.
Burnley, Southampton and Watford also want the 26-year-old, and The Sun reports that Portuguese giants Porto and Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen have also been admiring Murphy’s displays at St. James’ Park this term.
The Magpies attacker has started the last seven Premier League games at right wing-back, helping his side to three victories and two draws.
That ability to excel in a defensive role appears to have attracted Leeds and Rangers, and Murphy has also impressed going forward with two goals and two assists in 24 top-flight games this term.
While The Sun claims he is currently valued at £6 million, Football Insider reports that £3m could be enough to land the Newcastle man.
With just a year left on his current, Steve Bruce’s side are hoping to get him to agree to an extension.
They could be forced to cash in on him this summer should he decide against a renewal, and both Leeds and Rangers could have a fierce transfer tussle on their hands.
The chance to play under the enigmatic Bielsa could be appealing to Murphy, but Rangers, who won the Scottish Premiership this term unbeaten are offering Champions League football and the opportunity to win silverware, and he has a career-defining decision to make in the coming weeks.
In other news, The Athletic journalist has shared why Bielsa is yet to sign new Leeds deal.