Steve Bruce confirms that Sheffield Wednesday target Jacob Murphy will stay at Newcastle United

Murphy, who had an impressive season on loan at Hillsborough last term, had been linked with another loan move to the Championship, with the Owls keen to bring him back to South Yorkshire.

Several other clubs including Middlesbrough had made enquiries regarding the services of the 25-year-old, who scored nine times for Wednesday last term, including four in his last five games.

But Bruce has confirmed that Murphy, who was excellent in Newcastle's 7-0 Carabao Cup trouncing of Morecambe - scoring a goal and providing an assist - will remain in the black and white of the Magpies.

Speaking after the game at Morecambe, Bruce said: "I won’t be letting him out on loan, not after a performance like that. He deserves to stay with us.

"He’s improved enormously. I’ve been very, very pleased, even thought he hasn’t made the squad for the weekend.

"We’ve got 20-odd players to choose from. But, at this particular moment, I won’t be letting Jacob go out.

"He’s had a really good pre-season. He showed a great attitude towards it. I think you’ve also witnessed he’s benefitted obviously from being out on loan.

"He had a really good loan at Sheffield Wednesday, where they speak highly of him.

"He’s a good young player who’s direct and quick and he’s grasped his chance. Arguably, he’s our best player tonight. Fair play to him."