Ex-Celt set tomoveto Magpies

NEWCASTLE UNITED and Ipswich Town have agreed a fee for the transfer of forward Daryl Murphy to the north-east club.

The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been with the Suffolk club on a permanent basis for three years following a move from Celtic.

Murphy, who spent five years with the Magpies’ rivals Sunderland, has made four appearances for the Tractor Boys this term but is yet to get on the scoresheet.

He has also played for Luton Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Waterford United.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez wants Murphy to boost his attacking options with three forwards – Dwight Gayle, Emmanuel Riviere and Aleksandar Mitrovic – currently in his first-team squad.

The Magpies have had a mixed start to the season as they seek to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, following two defeats with two victories.

Murphy was left out of the Ipswich squad to face Preston yesterday.