Stoke set for a shock Murphy move

Premier League side Stoke City are lining up for a shocking swoop for Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy as a player/coach.

Stoke, who completed their first signing of the summer on Friday afternoon when Sunderland captain Dean Whitehead joined in a £4million deal, have now set their sights on another skipper.

The former English international played a crucial role in Fulham’s charge to Europe last season but, at 32, is unlikely to get as many games in the forthcoming campaign if Roy Hodgson manages to sign West Brom’s Jonathan Greening.

The Cottagers have failed with offer bids for the 30-year-old, the last of which reached £4milion, but they remain determined to strengthen in the middle of the park and will either bid again or turn their attention to other targets.

That has left Murphy considering his options as he comes towards the end of his career and it is understood that he has been offered the chance of a player/coach role.

The move rests on Hodgson landing a replacement but Murphy is attracted to the idea of a coaching role and would relish the chance to see out his career back north.

Playing a key role in the talks is Murphy’s former coach at Crewe, Steve Holland, who has also helped the Potters attract West Ham striker Dean Ashton to the club.

The 25-year-old is set to cost Stoke an initial £5.75million but the deal could eventually be worth £10.5million to the Irons depending on Ashton’s appearances and success at the Britannia Stadium and with England