Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy is hoping to sign a contract extension and finish his peak years at St James' Park, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
Murphy, who turns 32 in February, has held talks with the club's hierarchy over a new contract. Since Matthias Jaissle took over as head coach, Murphy has effectively been playing for his future at Newcastle after a £15 million bid from Nottingham Forest was turned down on deadline day. Everton also showed interest, with David Moyes a big admirer of the forward's hard-working style.
Goal at Fulham
On Saturday, in the 1-1 draw at Fulham, Murphy scored a powerful strike in front of the away end before celebrating wildly. Jaissle still values the former Norwich City man highly and will leave the decision on a new deal to sporting director Ross Wilson.
Jaissle was pleased with Murphy's contribution at Craven Cottage and told NUFC TV: "Well if he can score goals like that more often I'd be really pleased and happy."
"In general, he performed on a high level and did the job amazingly, but then he also got his reward with that goal. It was a brilliant goal, and in general he was really solid. Defensively, he did his job, and offensively, with such a goal, it was a great evening for him."
Murphy on his role
Speaking about his own future, Murphy said: "I have always been for the last few years a senior player. Even when we had all of the names that we had last year, I was always seen as a leader. That has not changed now."
"I try to influence people, keep the boys in check, try and set the standard, try and communicate as much as I can but it takes total buy-in from everyone. You have to be willing to listen and learn."
"It is the responsibility of all of the older players to show the younger lads what this league is about and what it is going to take. It is not as simple as get through the week, you turn up and then you get to play in the Premier League. This is the top league in the world so we are getting there, we are learning the importance but with that it is going to take time as well."
"My role has not changed, it is to add value whenever I can and I had a specific role today which I thought I carried out very well. It gave some solidity to the team and good structure and on another day I walk away with two assists and a goal. I think for some people my playing style may not be for them but I know what I bring and it is effective. Believe me."
Looking ahead to Arsenal
The point at Fulham was not ideal for Newcastle but it stopped the rot after back-to-back defeats against Everton. Jaissle hopes the draw can be a stepping stone to another positive performance when Arsenal visit St James' Park after the international break.
Jaissle said: "We can build on this performance. We have a tough fixture ahead of us now but is something where we know we can improve from one match to another. If we can continue that process then it's going to be good."
