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Daryl Murphy has confirmed he could leave Newcastle United this summer.

The Republic of Ireland striker says that he has been told by Rafa Benitez the club are looking to sell him.

But he has no problems with the situation and has thanked the former Real Madrid for giving him an opportunity at St James’ Park.

Murphy said: “Rafa is a top, top manager.

“He texted me after the Uruguay game to say well done.

“I spoke to him last week about my future and he thanked me for what I had done and said they were going to listen to a few offers. I said ‘that’s fine’.

“I always knew I had been brought in there to do a specific job, to help the club get promoted. I had no illusions that I was going to be starting for Newcastle in the Premier League if we got up.

“I have got another year left on my contract and I will go back there for pre-season and just look at my options.”

Murphy has also offered some insight into Benitez’s managerial style.

He added:

“Last season was good, though. Rafa managed everything very well.

“We had a lot of big name players and maybe if it had been another manager he wouldn’t have got the best out of them as there would have been players sulking.

“But he used every player in the squad at the right time so everybody was fighting for a place.

“When the other strikers got injured, I knew I had to produce the goods for him, and I did, getting three goals in three games.

“We got some good results. I didn’t start many games – just seven in the league, nine in all competitions.

“But I scored six times and felt I deserved my medal whereas before, when I was at Celtic, we won the Cup but I barely featured and didn’t take a medal then because I had not earned it.

“This time I played my part.

“And I have Rafa to thank for that.

“To work with him, you see at first-hand how good he is and realise why he has such a superb CV.

“His attention to detail, everything is spot-on.

“He wants to know everything that is going on at the club.

“He makes time for everyone.”