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Southampton face stiff competition for Norwich’s Jacob Murphy

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Jacob Murphy of Norwich City applauds the fans after The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Southampton and Norwich City at St Mary's Stadium on January 18, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Jacob Murphy of Norwich City applauds the fans after The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Southampton and Norwich City at St Mary's Stadium on January 18, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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Reports this week have suggested that the Saints are scouting English youngster Jacob Murphy – but they aren’t the only team who are fans of the Norwich attacker.

Several media outlets have credited the Saints with interest in 22-year-old Jacob Murphy, who can play just about anywhere across the attacking line.

However it’s now being reported that as many as three other Premier League club will rival Southampton for the talented Englishman.

Crystal Palace, Swansea City and West Brom are all keeping tabs on the forward, who is currently displaying his talents at the European Under-21 Championships in Poland.

According to the Mail’s report the Canaries are willing to part ways with the pacey youngster for around £7 million, something that would be a relatively risk-free investment in today’s market.

Southampton will naturally be hoping that Murphy could replicate the form that Nathan Redmond showed in his debut season on the south coast, having joined from Norwich last summer for a similar fee.

RANDERS, DENMARK – MARCH 27: Jacob Murphy of England in action during the U21 international friendly match between Denmark and England at BioNutria Park on March 27, 2017 in Randers, Denmark. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
RANDERS, DENMARK – MARCH 27: Jacob Murphy of England in action during the U21 international friendly match between Denmark and England at BioNutria Park on March 27, 2017 in Randers, Denmark. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Southampton’s summer transfer plans are not being put on hold by their sacking of Claude Puel, with Les Reed handling the club’s recruitment this summer regardless of which manager takes charge over the next fortnight or so.

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Yesterday the club were linked with Irish youngster Trevor Clarke whilst they are also keeping tabs on a host of young talent at the championships, suggesting they will focus heavily on the future of the club this off-season.

Jacob Murphy has scored nearly 20 league goals across his last two seasons, the first being on-loan with Coventry before enjoying his first full campaign for Norwich last time around.

The forward still has four years left on his contract in East Anglia but it’s believed that Norwich have accepted that the youngster will move on to a Premier League team this summer.

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