Town and Middlesbrough are continuing their interest in Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy, according to reports in the North-East. The Blues and Boro are already said to have made enquiries regarding Murphy’s availability ahead of the emergency loan window opening on Tuesday.
Roy Keane tried to sign Murphy on several occasions throughout the transfer window with a fee of around £1.5 million had been agreed between the clubs and the frontman or wide midfielder even undergoing a medical at Portman Road. Personal terms were always the sticking point, which was also the case when Hull moved in for the Irish international.
Late on deadline day it was reported that the Blues made a late bid to take Murphy on a season-long loan but neither that deal nor a proposed permanent switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers went through. The decision on where to go next week is reportedly being left up to the 26-year-old former Waterford United man.
On Wednesday, Town chief executive Simon Clegg confirmed that the Blues would be looking at the loan market: "We're delighted in terms of what we have done [in the transfer window], but we're also conscious of what might be out there, other opportunities which might occur at any stage of the process."
Football League clubs can sign players on loan from Tuesday for a maximum of 93 days.