Newcastle agree £12m fee with Norwich for Jacob Murphy as Rafa Benitez warns owner Mike Ashley to 'keep his word' on transfers promise

  • Rafa Benitez has been promised 'every last penny' for transfers by Mike Ashley
  • The Newcastle boss has outlined his hope that Ashley will 'keep his word'
  • Newcastle have signed Christian Atsu and Florian Lejeune so far this window 

Newcastle United have agreed a £12.5million deal with Norwich for winger Jacob Murphy and have resurrected their interest in a loan move for Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo - with boss Rafa Benitez urging owner Mike Ashley to ‘keep his word’ over transfers. 

The Spaniard is frustrated that the Magpies have so far only signed former loanee Christian Atsu and Eibar defender Florian Lejeune.


Ashley had promised Benitez ‘every last penny the club generates’ this summer and, speaking from the club’s Carton House training base near Dublin, the manager said: ‘When I had the meeting with Mike Ashley I was confident that we have the money available and the wages.

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez now wants Newcastle to kick on in the summer transfer window

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez wants Newcastle to kick on in the summer transfer window

The club have returned for Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo, whom they hope to sign on loan

Newcastle have returned for Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo, who they hope to sign on loan

Murphy will swap the vibrant yellow of Norwich for the famous stripes of Newcastle

The Magpies are also in discussions with Norwich over midfielder Jacob Murphy

The Newcastle squad have been training in Dublin as they gear up for the Premier League

The Newcastle squad trained in Dublin on Monday as they gear up for the Premier League

‘Everything is in place to move forward. Hopefully Mike can keep his word and we can do what we want to do.’

Sportsmail revealed last week that Norwich had rejected an £8million offer for Murphy and the Carrow Road club said their winger was not for sale. 

Newcastle have returned with a bid in excess of £10m including add-ons for the England Under-21 star, who is extremely keen for the transfer to go through.

Christian Atsu, who was on loan at Newcastle last season, has signed permanent terms

Christian Atsu, who was on loan at Newcastle last season, has signed permanent terms

Defender Florian Lejeune is one of the only other summer signings for the Magpies

Defender Florian Lejeune is the only other summer signing, from Eibar

Benitez's Newcastle squad are currently in Ireland for a pre-season training camp

Benitez's Newcastle squad are currently in Ireland for a pre-season training camp

Ayoze Perez (left) and Grant Hanley head out to the training pitch in Ireland

Ayoze Perez (left) and Grant Hanley head out to the training pitch in Ireland

Benitez talks through his plans with Newcastle assistant manager Paco De Miguel Moreno

Benitez talks through his plans with Newcastle assistant manager Paco De Miguel Moreno

Benitez has also made a fresh attempt to bring Ojo to St James’ Park. 

The Magpies were initially put off by Liverpool’s demands for the 20-year-old’s loan arrangement but are now hoping to reach a compromise amid interest from Middlesbrough.