Murphy qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father and Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is now said to have made contact with the in-form winger.
Murphy played for England at various youth levels up to the Under-21 age group but has never won a senior cap. And as well as the former Norwich man is playing for the Magpies, a first call-up at the age of 29 under new England boss Thomas Tuchel feels unlikely.
That’s why Nigeria are hopeful Murphy will be tempted to switch allegiance.
Boss Chelle could certainly do with a boost, with Nigeria having picked up just three points from their first four qualifying games for the 2026 World Cup. But they still have six games to play and are just four points behind a potential play-off place.
Newcastle were keen on signing a right-winger last summer but instead prioritised the failed pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. With no new wide attackers arriving, Murphy has established himself as first choice on the right in Eddie Howe’s side and is enjoying his best season at the club since joining eight years ago.
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He’s started the last 12 Premier League games for the Magpies, as well as both the first and second legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final success against Arsenal.
He’s scored five goals in all competitions and his tally of eight Premier League assists has only been bettered by Mo Salah, Antonee Robinson and Bukayo Saka.
Howe said of Murphy recently: “He’s been very, very important and probably more than people realise because we ask a lot of Jacob in lots of different ways, he plays an important role. Of course, everyone plays an important role in our pressing with the ball.
“He’s been brilliant and the assists and the goals that he’s got in the last few weeks, Alex [Isak] probably owes him the majority of his goals with his crossing ability which has always been very strong.
“But also defensively, we use him in a variety of ways. He’s a very versatile player and with Jacob he’s always very team-oriented. He doesn’t the credit he perhaps deserves so it’s nice to see that he’s getting the assists to bring his performances to everyone’s attention.”
