Bristol City ‘leading’ transfer race for Brighton and Man City target

Bristol City are said to be interested in signing St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Adam Murphy, according to reports in Ireland.

Irish paper Independent.i.e report that the Robins are ‘leading the race’ to sign the 18-year-old. He is said to have attracted interest from the Premier League and teams in Europe but City are ahead of them after entering discussions with the League of Ireland outfit.

Murphy had been invited to go on trial at Manchester City last year but suffered a hamstring injury that ended his season. Brighton have also had scouts look at him having had success with Evan Ferguson.

He is out of contract in November when the League of Ireland ends, but they would be entitled at least a six-figure fee in compensation if he left for free. A transfer decision is expected to be made this week to decide whether he will remain at Richmond Park.

Bristol City could consider signing him now for a fee higher than that but would have to persuade the Pats to sell. Murphy’s club trail Shamrock Rovers by four points with nine games remaining.

Murphy appeared for Pats in Europe during their 5-3 aggregate defeat to Luxembourgish outfit F91 Dudelange last month. He has four assists and two goals this term. He is a central midfielder by trade but can also play as an attacking midfielder, similar to Alex Scott.

He has been capped ten times for the Ireland Under-15’s team after being capped in 2019. Murphy appeared three times for the Under-17’s team last year too. Pats boss Tim Clancy is high on the teenager and described him as the ‘best young player I’ve seen’ earlier this year.

He said to The Irish Mirror: ““From anywhere I’ve played or managed, he’s the best young kid I’ve ever seen. I rate him that highly, he’s exceptional, a really good player.

“Adam is going to be a really big player and have a massive career.”