According to reports in The Irish Sun, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce is said to be considering making a move for Newcastle United striker Daryl Murphy.
The out-of-favour centre-forward looks set to leave the Magpies this summer following their promotion to the Premier League, and Bruce is considering adding him to his squad as Villa look to secure their own return to the top flight next season.
The Irish Sun says Rafa Benitez has told the 34-year-old that he is free to go despite only moving to St James’ Park from Ipswich Town last summer, in what was a tough year on Tyneside for the Republic of Ireland international.
While Bruce is looking to put together a team that can fight for promotion next term – he secured the hugely impressive signing of John Terry earlier this month – the Toon Army player may not be what he needs.
Here are three reasons Villa should steer clear of signing Murphy…
Striker options
Last season Steve Bruce played with one striker up top and having finished the campaign as the club’s top goalscorer, Jonathan Kodjia will likely start the new one there as long as he is fully fit after an ankle injury.
With the likes of Scott Hogan, Gabby Agbonlahor and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy in reserve, it seems unnecessary for Villa to go out and sign a new striker unless he is an improvement on what they already have available to them.
It is certainly hard to say that he could have more of an impact next season than Hogan and Agbonlahor for example.
Age
While experience can be key, the fact that Villa already have Mile Jedinak in their ranks and have signed John Terry this summer, as well as showing an interest in Glenn Whelan according to The Irish Sun, means that bringing in Murphy too may be a little much.
Steve Bruce should surely want a team with a nice blend of youth and experience, and he would be in danger of leaning too far to the second option if he brings in Murphy as it could stop the likes of Hogan and Hepburn-Murphy getting as many opportunities in the first team.
The club should also be thinking about the long-term and players that can make the jump to the Premier League as early as in a year’s time, and it seems doubtful that the 34-year-old would, which means Bruce would be better off looking elsewhere for a new striker addition if he feels he needs one.
Recent record
Despite a fine 2014/15 season in which he scored 27 Championship goals for Ipswich Town, he has netted just 15 since which he certainly raises question marks over what exactly he could bring to Villa Park.
While he hasn’t had too many injuries over the years, Murphy may be more susceptible to niggles in the twilight years of his career and it proved to be the case at Newcastle last season when he missed 15 games because of a calf injury.
It meant that the 34-year-old finished the campaign having made just 19 Championship appearances – scoring five goals – and Steve Bruce may not want to take a risk on a player that could be unavailable for large chunks of what is crucial season for both himself and the club.
Do you agree, Villa fans? Let us know below.