Sheffield Wednesday set to miss out on loan target Jacob Murphy

The 25-year-old, who has been at the top of Wednesday’s wishlist since a blistering second half to his 2019/20 loan spell at Hillsborough, looks likely to stay on board at the North East giants after impressing since his return.

Murphy has spoken previously about his desire to prove himself at St James Park after twice finding himself loaned out to the Championship since his £10m transfer from Norwich in 2017.

This season will be his last under his current contract at the club he grew up supporting.

Former Owls boss Steve Bruce is Murphy’s manager at Newcastle and confirmed the Owls’ interest last month. His number two Steve Agnew said over the weekend: “He has genuine pace.

“Confidence is the key word. He also added goals to his game in the Championship and finished with nine in a successful loan period.

“He’s certainly taken the manager’s eye in this short pre-season. I’m sure he will be around it this season.”

It’s an opinion shared by Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden, who has noticed a difference in Murphy’s approach since his return from Wednesday.

“We've shown a few good attacking plays and attacking movements and the combinations have been quite good," he told NUFC TV.

“I think the players have come back in good shape. Jacob, who went on loan last year at Sheffield Wednesday, has come back and he is flying almost in training and in games.

“That's a credit to him going away and playing the games he did last season and coming back ready to take his chance, which I think he's doing at the minute. If he can continue like that, it gives the manager a big headache for next season.”

Also speaking to NUFC TV, Murphy reiterated his desire to show what he can do in Toon colours.

It is understood that a number of Championship clubs have been sniffing around the potential loan addition of Murphy but that it is looking more and more likely his immediate future is at his parent club.

He scored from the spot after winning a penalty in a 2-1 friendly win over Barnsley this weekend.

“So far in pre-season I am showing what I am about,” Murphy said.

“For me it is about putting in good performances just to give the manager a headache.

“I am pleased with how things are going this pre-season and hopefully I can keep putting in good performances on the pitch.

“Last season was an amazing season for me. I really got into my rhythm and gained confidence and I think I have shown that again here.

“I want to keep the confidence high and keep on putting in the performances. I have been working hard on my confidence.

“I do well when I get a run of games under my belt like I did at Sheffield Wednesday. Here I feel like I am building on it.”

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