Newcastle United are in talks with Irish youngster Alex Murphy over a new contract after his rise to the first-team ranks this season.
The 19-year-old, who arrived from Galway two years ago, has made two appearances in the Premier League this term and has been a back-up option for Eddie Howe. Murphy actually caught the manager's eye in pre-season when he made five appearances and impressed in the club's US tour.
Murphy's current deal expires in 2025 but Newcastle are hoping to agree a new deal with the Republic of Ireland Under-19 international. The centre-back or left-sided defender has recently switched agency and is now represented by Wasserman, the same group who look after Howe, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento.
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Last summer Howe said: "Alex did really well, I think the beauty of his performances in pre-season have been versatility. He has played left-back and centre-half, today right-sided centre-half.
Murphy also impressed his senior team-mate Sven Botman during the summer, with the Dutchman saying in August: "Alex is getting better every day and he is training well. Against Fiorentina he proved again he is on the right track and he has to continue like this then see what happens."
The teenager has been applauded behind the scenes for his willingness to learn from senior players. He told Chronicle Live during the club's Premier League Summer Series: "It's unreal. Learning off them every day, even at training, just seeing how they prepare and eat and do everything."
