Celtic look like missing out on Alex Murphy with the young defender expected to sign for Newcastle United.
The 17-year-old has made seven appearances for Galway United this season in the second tier of the Irish League and is expected to head to Newcastle in June when he turns 18.
This season Celtic have signed Liam Scales and Johnny Kenny from League of Ireland clubs but there is intense competition for talent down the age groups.
RTE Sport reports:
Newcastle United are set to sign Galway United star Alex Murphy, holding off a scatter of other clubs in the battle for the 17-year-old.
Murphy, a native of Annaghdown who joined United’s academy from Corrib Celtic, will move to England after he turns 18 this summer.
That’s welcome news, at least, for John Caulfield. The Tribesmen boss has high hopes for Murphy but will be keen that he plays as much as possible in the club’s push for promotion.
Murphy has been linked with Brighton, as well as Torino and Celtic, but Newcastle and boss Eddie Howe have won the race.
RTE Sport understands that Galway United’s representatives are very pleased with how discussions have gone on Tyneside and will see the transfer as evidence that their burgeoning academy, led by club legend Johnny Glynn, is progressing as hoped.
Murphy is highly unlikely to be involved in the Newcastle first team squad next season but with an u-23 side playing in the EPL and well established loan networks the teenager will be able to find his level.
As last night’s Glasgow Derby demonstrated there is a huge gulf between the Lowland League and the Celtic first team with no obvious pathway into Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
Scott Robertson has had a couple of spells out on loan in League One of the Football League but like Jonathan Afolabi and Luca Connel in the third tier of the SPFL there remains a big gap between a project signing and a Celtic first team squad member.
