TWTD understands that Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy was at Portman Road for a medical yesterday and will join the Blues when the Irish season ends in November. TWTD first revealed Town’s interest in the former Manchester City and Swansea keeper a week ago.
Murphy is set to sign a pre-contract agreement with the Blues which will see him join the squad in November when his Bohemians contract ends, formalising the deal when the transfer window reopens in January.
Both Town and Sunderland are reported to have dismissed yesterday afternoon’s claims that Black Cats striker Daryl Murphy is to join the Blues and it may well be that that story was a result of confusion regarding which Murphy has been at the club this week.
Coincidentally, Brian and Daryl Murphy are both 26-years-old and hail from Waterford.
Goalkeeper Murphy started his career in England with Manchester City, during which time he spent spells on loan at Oldham and Peterborough. While at London Road, he made his first senior appearance in his only game for the Posh.
In 2003, after three years at Eastlands, Murphy moved on to Swansea, where he made 18 appearances before returning to Ireland in 2007.
Capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19, U20 and U21 levels, the 6ft 1in tall keeper has been tipped for senior international honours. In 2008 he was named the FAI League of Ireland Player of the Year.
While Town already have two goalkeepers, the Blues may be keen to send Shane Supple out on loan to gain further first team experience, in which case cover would be required.
Town are also looking to sign Bohemians midfielder Gary Deegan, who was first linked with the Blues late last month. Deegan is also out of contract at the end of the Irish season, but compensation would be due to Bohs and to his former club Shelbourne for the 21-year-old under FIFA rules.