Steve Bruce issues Newcastle United contract talks update

Murphy – who started last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur – is out of contract at the end of the season.

And Bruce is hoping to convince the 26-year-old, signed by Rafa Benitez in the summer of 2017 for £12million, to commit his long-term future to the club.

“I sincerely hope that we tie Jacob Murphy down,” said United's head coach, who has handed the winger nine Premier League starts this season. “He’s been a big plus this season after spending a couple of years on loan.

“He’s played a big part in the season. He’s had, for him, a really good season where he knows now that he belongs in the Premier League. I’ve been very very pleased with him. Moving forward, I’d love to see him at the club. It’s what we want: young, hungry, determined to do well – he ticks all of those boxes.”