Soccer

Republic of Ireland striker Daryl Murphy off to Newcastle

Daryl Murphy was one of Ireland's success stories in the European Championship
Daryl Murphy was one of Ireland's success stories in the European Championship Daryl Murphy was one of Ireland's success stories in the European Championship

NEWCASTLE and Ipswich have agreed a fee for the transfer of forward Daryl Murphy to the north-east club.

The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been with the Suffolk club on a permanent basis for three years following a move from Celtic.

Murphy, a former Sunderland player, has made four appearances for Ipswich this term but is yet to get on the scoresheet.

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez wants Murphy to boost his attacking options with three forwards - Dwight Gayle, Emmanuel Riviere and Aleksandar Mitrovic - currently in his first-team squad.

United have had a mixed start to the season as they seek to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, following two defeats with two victories.

Murphy was left out of the Ipswich squad to face Preston on Saturday.