Everton's pursuit of Jacob Murphy raises questions

Everton are interested in signing 31-year-old Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy, with the player entering the final year of his contract. The Toffees are seeking wide reinforcements, and Murphy's situation at St James' Park makes him a potential target.

Murphy has given Newcastle nine years of service, but the club's recent recruitment of attackers, including Anthony Elanga and Nick Woltemade, has limited his pathway to regular minutes.

Everton's need for wide players is partly dependent on the futures of Jack Grealish and Tyrique George, as well as Dwight McNeil. The club finished 13th in the Premier League last season and is looking to push towards the European places.

Tyrique George is set to join Everton in a permanent deal worth over £20 million, but Murphy is a different profile. The transfer link has raised questions about whether Everton should bother with the signing.

Murphy made 33 Premier League appearances last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. While he brings experience and technical reliability, his output is not transformative, and his average rating of 6.52 places him in the dependable squad player category.

Everton have also been linked with Alieu Njie from Torino for around £9 million, a more exciting proposition given the Swede's age and development ceiling. The club needs forward-thinking recruitment, and spending on an ageing winger like Murphy may represent a missed opportunity.