Sunderland’s transfer window seems to be progressing well as the club has now reportedly lined up a move for Rangers’ Jamie Murphy, report Football Insider.
What’s the word, then?
Following the signing of Kyle Lafferty last week Phil Parkinson revealed there would be more reinforcements to come, and though there has been a delay with one target, it hasn’t discouraged the club from making positive steps.
Football Insider claim they have joined Burton Albion in showing an interest in Murphy, who could leave Rangers on loan this month, as Steven Gerrard admitted.
The Black Cats are thought to be leading the loan race for his teammates Greg Docherty, too, and that could potentially provide a helping hand in trying to get a move for the 30-year-old across the line.
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Experience and quality
There is a lot to like about Murphy, and given Sunderland’s position of limited finance and appeal he is exactly the type of player they may have to settle for, with the club so far having targeted only free agents and loan players.
He has a good career to boast of, with experience in England’s three top divisions, including a promotion with Brighton from the Championship, a factor that could prove crucial in Sunderland achieving their own goals this term.
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As well as that, playing for Rangers means he has experienced playing in front of large crowds with big pressure on his shoulders, but he flourished for a while at Ibrox with four goals and five assists in 11 league appearances in 2017/18.
However, his limited appearances that season have characterised his spell in Glasgow, and he has made just 29 appearances in total in two years at the club.
That is the biggest concern regarding his move to the Stadium of Light, as if he can’t get his fitness right then he will be unable to influence his team – on the pitch at least, but if he does feature then he should provide the quality to improve the Sunderland attack.
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