Newcastle United have sanctioned the exit of fringe squad player Alex Murphy.

The Magpies are assessing their options with a range of squad players as they prepare for the second half of the season. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is set to join Bolton Wanderers on loan and the deal could be pushed through today.

Murphy was handed his Premier League debut by Eddie Howe last season but has been restricted to four appearances on the bench this term. Murphy, who has appeared in the top-flight against Chelsea and Sheff United, will now be looking to get a run in the side at Bolton with Newcastle keen for the youngster to get experience.

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Murphy, signed from Galway for a bargain £100,000 fee in 2022, was handed a new contract by Howe back in May. Speaking about life at Newcastle, the Galway-born star told Chronicle Live: "Eddie Howe has been great for me since I moved up to the first-team. He's helped me a lot with individual sessions after training. The gaffer, JT (Jason Tindall) and all the coaching staff have been great for all of us.

"All of these experiences are great for lads like me. Any minutes you get for the senior side or minutes you get with first-team professionals that are playing at the top level is brilliant for us. I appreciate any chance I get to go away with the first-team. It has been great for me."

The 20-year-old's first challenge at Bolton will be to aid their League One play-off bid. He will work under Wanderers boss Ian Evatt.