Some Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media, after the Chronicle refuted speculation that Steve Bruce is chasing a January deal for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray.
The Magpies are in the hunt for a new centre-forward this month and have discussed several options to join Bruce at St. James’ Park, including Chelsea’s Oliver Giroud.
Giroud is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer and free to negotiate a pre-contract with sides from abroad, though Frank Lampard’s Blues are remaining insistent on landing a substantial fee to allow the Frenchman to leave this month.
The 2018 World Cup winner is also on a £110,000-per-week contract in South West London, which would make him considerably our highest-earner.
Giroud is believed to be one of the striker options discussed at St. James’ Park, whereas Brighton’s Murray is not.
Reports by the Guardian recently alleged that the 36-year-old had emerged as a potential short-term option for the Toon and Aston Villa, who could look to sign the veteran forward on loan until the end of the season.
Like Giroud, Murray is out of contract in the summer and out of favour at his current side, having opened just three of a possible 21 Premier League games and featured from the bench in a further ten.
Would you take Murray on loan?
Yes
No
The Guardian added that Murray would be allowed to leave the Amex Stadium in the winter market should Graham Potter first secure a replacement.
Murray is also said to be a target for Celtic and Nottingham Forest, having scored 36 goals in 138 Premier League games throughout spells with Crystal Palace, AFC Bournemouth and Brighton over his career.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans rued the Chronicle refuting our alleged interest in Brighton striker Murray…
I’d be happy with Glenn Murray, better than what we have
— Leigh NUFC⚽️⚪⚫ (@KKL100812) January 6, 2020
Not sure I agree with the “phew” on this. He has prem experience and he can score goals in the prem. If anything, he is probably the better choice for us. We wont get giroud or the batman (cant spell his name) and others from abroad are more of a gamble #nufc
— Adrian Langley (@adi_bizzle) January 7, 2020
Not sure why Brighton would have ever let him leave on loan – but he’s miles better than Joelinton currently
— Tom (@85nufc) January 6, 2020
Better than what we’ve got tbf
— Matthew Daly (@matthewdaly1999) January 6, 2020
And yet he would most likely be better than anyone we have, least he can score goals in the prem
— Kacie Ellwood (@kacieellwood) January 6, 2020
He is better than what we have and knows where the net is no way Brighton would let him go for a 6 month loan to a relegation rival mind
— Andy Slaughter (@AndySlaughter) January 6, 2020
Would take him
— 🇬🇧 𝗹𝗲𝗲 🏴 (@FierceBassBoost) January 6, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, the club are said to be set for talks over a £6.3million-rated centre-half.