Portsmouth ‘approach’ made for Newcastle United defender – Reports

Pompey have been linked with an approach for rising Newcastle United star Alex Murphy.

According to i’s Northern Football Correspondent Mark Douglas, the Blues are one of several Championship clubs interested in the centre-back.

However, rather than simply keeping track of the Republic of Ireland under-21 international, Pompey are said to have made contact with the Toon this summer about a possible move for the 20-year-old.

The Fratton Park club is looking to strengthen their central defensive options, as Connor Shaughnessy and Ryley Towler are the only specialists in the position, with Regan Poole and Tom McIntyre still out due to injury.

Pompey were linked with a move for former Leeds United captain Adam Clayton last week, but head coach John Mosuinho quickly dismissed the idea.

As the transfer window deadline approaches, the Blues are also considering loan moves for Premier League youngsters. Middlesbrough winger Sammy Silvera is their only loan signing so far, with the Blues able to add four more to their squad.

Murphy, who is from the same Irish county as Shaughnessy (Galway), moved to Newcastle in July 2022. In his first season at St James’ Park, he made 16 Premier League 2 appearances.

The ball-playing centre-back made his first-team debut as an 87th-minute substitute in Newcastle’s 4-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea in November.

He made his second Premier League appearance in April, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute in Newcastle’s 5-1 victory over Sheffield United.

Murphy also played in Newcastle’s two end-of-season friendlies against Spurs and the A-League All-Stars in Australia at the end of May, on a tour that also included Matt Ritchie’s trip Down Under before he signed a free transfer to Fratton Park.

Elias Sorensen is another former Toon player who now plays for Pompey.

In other news, Abu Kamara slaps in Norwich City transfer request amid interest from Portsmouth.