" ITS TIME TO CASH IN "

But Fulham are favourites to sign Murphy.



Should Russell Slade splash the cash on Daryl Murphy?

YES
NO



It could be time for Ipswich Town to cash in on top Cardiff City target Daryl Murphy, admits John Wark

Thurs 11 June 2015

BY ROB OWEN

We'd be loathe to lose him, but big money switch could suit all, admits Tractor Boys legend


Ipswich Town legend John Wark believes the time could be right for his old club to cash-in on Cardiff City’s top summer transfer target, Daryl Murphy.

The Irish international, who fired 27 goals in the East Anglian outfit’s ultimately fruitless push for promotion last term, is rumoured to be Russell Slade’s No. 1 priority as he looks to shape a squad for a tilt at the Premier League next term.

The Bluebirds are far from alone in admiring the 32-year-old strike ace; newly relegated Burnley and QPR, plus fellow second-tier clubs Middlesbrough and Fulham have all been linked with moves for Murphy, who finished top of the Championship scoring charts last season.



While Ipswich would be loathe to lose a player who has just spearheaded their best campaign in a decade, the Tractor Boys may be tempted to consider a big money offer for a player entering the twilight years of his playing career.

Murphy has two years left on his current Ipswich contract and while Town have tied up a number of emerging talents on new deals in recent times, there appears to be no rush to offer the Waterford-born front man new terms.



A lucrative, longer term deal elsewhere could therefore appeal to Murphy and Wark believes such a scenario could ultimately meet the approval to all parties involved.

"Some moves are right for everyone at the time," said Wark, a former Scottish international star who scored 94 times in 226 appearances for Ipswich during the club’s successful 70s and 80s stint in the top flight.

"I didn't want to leave Ipswich for Liverpool (in 1984) but the club needed the money, other players were leaving and I couldn’t see us winning things.

"It was a move that worked out well for me but I came back as soon as I could because I loved the area.


"As for Daryl, I know him well and every time I speak to him he says how much he loves it at Ipswich but he's just had the best season of his career, he's 32 and I'm sure he would have to think long and hard if a club came in with a longer deal or more money.

"There was always going to be a lot of clubs sniffing around Daryl after the season he's just had. He’s a great guy and has been fantastic for us.

"Personally I hope he stays, I think everyone does, but what will be, will be," added Wark, in an interview with the East Anglian Daily Times.



Murphy is thought to be at the very top of boss Slade’s summer wish-list following two rounds of discussions regarding targets with Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan.

Cardiff are said to be prepared to pull out all the stops to land their man, with a fee in the region of £4million mooted.

Murphy was in the thick of the action for Ireland during their high-profile friendly clash against England on the weekend and he’s likely to line up against the Scots for the Republic’s big Group D European Championship qualifier at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, a clash Slade will no doubt take a keen interest in.

PA WireDaryl Murphy, in action for Ireland against England, is interesting Russell Slade
Wark continued: "He did okay for Ireland (against England) at the weekend and I’m sure if he smacks one in against Scotland, which I obviously hopes he doesn’t being a Scot, then there will be even more interest.

"But I just hope he’s still an Ipswich Town players when the new season starts because you always want to keep hold of your best players."

I hope we don't get him but if we do surely it won't be for 4m.Christ,if they get a million there quids in.Let Fulham have him.

No. The reported £4m for a 32 year old Championship striker is just stupid.

Imho, no. 32 years old and could very well be a 1 season wonder. Not worth the risk for someone who will have no real re-sale value in a couple of years time.

Not at £4m

Might think differently if we were making a serious attack on promotion, but I simply cannot see that happening (sadly) in the foreseeable future!

No. The reported £4m for a 32 year old Championship striker is just stupid.

This. Someone talking sense. Alot of people on here are saying we need to cut costs and yet want to spend that amount of money on a 32 year old. Ok 27 goals last season is very impressive but not for me. Get him cheaper then yes.

Absolutely not.

No, would be a good signing but to expensive and money we do not need to be spending.