The Jacob Murphy trait David Moyes will love above all else as Everton contact made

Jacob Murphy may not be a name that gets Everton fans too excited, but David Moyes clearly sees something he likes in the Newcastle United winger.

Goodison News has this week reported on Everton's interest in Murphy, who is into the final 12 months of his contract at St James' Park.

The 31-year-old has been a Newcastle player since 2017 and has made 265 appearances in all competitions.

Murphy featured 33 times for the Magpies in the Premier League last season, but full 90-minute matches were hard to come by.

And it now appears Everton are about to ramp up their interest in the versatile right-sided player.

Beyond the tangible qualities, such as goals and assists, Murphy will also bring something else to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Eddie Howe sums up Jacob Murphy in a word

Murphy scored three Premier League goals last season and assisted two more.

That is not a huge return, of course, but it is still half-decent for a player who started 19 times.

Beyond that, though, Murphy helped out defensively in the wide areas and was very much a team player.

That has always been the case for Murphy, with boss Eddie Howe hailing him as "selfless" in an interview last year.

That is a trait Moyes loves in a player, and it may well be that Murphy is soon on Merseyside amid a new update that has emerged.

What's the latest on Murphy to Everton?

As per Chris Beesley for the Liverpool Echo's print edition on Wednesday, contact has been made with Murphy's representatives.

While no concrete offers have been made, his exit would be part of a "spectacular dismantling" at Newcastle with a number of players moving on.

Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have joined Barcelona and Tottenham respectively for big money.

Bruno Guimaraes continues to be linked with Arsenal, meanwhile, and Murphy could also be on his way out.

Moyes would like to add to his wide options, with Murphy very much ticking a couple of the key boxes for the Scotsman.