Outgoings have been the main topic of the January window so far, with Miguel Almiron, Martin Dubravka and Sean Longstaff all linked with exits so far.

However, the club will also be looking at potential loan moves for some of our top U21 talent in need of minutes at senior level over the second half of 2024/25.

This bring us to a certain defender on the fringe of Eddie Howe’s first team who could join the likes of Harrison Ashby and Joe White in securing a temporary switch to the EFL.

Murphy set for January loan move?

According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle defender Alex Murphy could be heading out on loan this month.

They report that the 20-year-old has ‘requested regular senior football’ after impressing at Under-21s level and being an unused substitute during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Bromley.

It’s thought the club have agreed to this and will sanction a temporary move away should the right offer arrive from an EFL club in the next two-and-half weeks.

Murphy has previously been linked with a move to Portsmouth, although the Championship side will be unable to sign the Irishman on loan after already bringing in forgotten Mag Isaac Hayden in on a temporary basis.

Murphy another one to watch?

After arriving from Galway United, where he impressed in their first team as a teenager, and impressing in our Academy, the versatile defender signed a six year deal last May.

Murphy is one of several U21 additions we’ve made in a bid to bolster our Academy since the takeover and he’s clearly impressed Howe.

The boss handed him Premier League cameos in wins over Chelsea and Sheffield United last season, also including him in some of our winter training camps and pre-season trips.