Everton are interested in Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy, and the timing is notable with the 31-year-old into the final 12 months of his contract at St James' Park. Keith Downie reported on Saturday that Murphy could leave this summer, with no offer from Everton yet, but with genuine interest already in place.
For Newcastle United, it is another sign of a summer that is already moving towards major change. The club have had several first-team departures and are expected to go through a dramatic squad overhaul, which makes Murphy one of the names to watch if the reshaping of Eddie Howe's squad gathers pace.
Murphy remains a useful option, but the contract picture matters
Downie said Murphy has been a "brilliant player" for Newcastle and noted that he signed for the club nine years ago. That long spell gives the situation a different feel from a routine transfer story, especially when a player is described as popular on Tyneside more for his personality than for consistent on-pitch contributions.
That is the balance Everton will be considering. Murphy is not being framed as a headline-grabbing signing, but he is an experienced wide player who can strengthen a forward line that clearly needs attention. Downie also said Everton are looking at a return for Jack Grealish as part of that wider thinking, which suggests Murphy is one of several options rather than a lone target.
What it means for Newcastle and Everton
For Newcastle, the concern is not just whether Murphy stays, but whether another departure would further reduce depth on the right flank as the squad is rebuilt. For Everton, the appeal is obvious: a player with Premier League experience, available in a market where value and reliability matter.
Downie was clear that there is no Everton offer for Murphy yet, so this remains interest rather than a deal in motion. But with just 12 months left on his contract and a summer exit now possible, the situation has enough movement to remain live as both clubs continue to shape their next steps.
