Newcastle already have next Malick Thiaw in their ranks after surprise twist

Alex Murphy impressing on loan at Kaiserslautern could be Newcastle's answer to potential departures of Thiaw, Schar and Burn.

Newcastle face uncertainty in defence with Malick Thiaw attracting interest from top clubs and both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn out of contract next June. Rather than pursue the transfer market, the club could turn to young defender Alex Murphy, who is impressing on loan at German second-tier side Kaiserslautern in an unfamiliar centre-back role. Murphy's performances suggest he deserves a chance to break into Newcastle's senior side and could provide a solution if the club loses key defenders.