FORMER Rangers boss Mark Warburton wants ex-Celtic striker Daryl Murphy.
The Republic of Ireland international frontman scored six goals in Newcastle’s return to the English top flight.
However, St James’s Park gaffer Rafa Benitez, who bought the burly attacker from Ipswich Town last August, has told the 34-year-old marksman he is willing to allow him to leave the Tyneside outfit.
Murphy is valued at £2million and Warburton, who took over at Nottingham Forest in March after leaving Ibrox, is poised to agree the fee.
Benitez admitted: “I was really pleased with his contribution last season, not just because he played games and scored goals, but he led by example, both in the dressing room and training.
“He was a positive influence on the team.
“We have been chatting at training in recent days and he knows that if a club comes in, he will go on a permanent transfer, once the deal is best for him and us”
Murphy was signed for the Hoops by ex-boss Neil Lennon from Ipswich in 2010 for £1million, but failed to make an impact and netted only three goals before returning to Portman Road on loan.
