Newcastle plucks Jacob Murphy from Norwich for around £12M

Newcastle United unveiled the signing of winger Jacob Murphy on Wednesday following a promising season in the Championship with Norwich City.

The 22-year-old joins the Magpies for a reported £12-million fee. Newcastle didn't disclose the duration of his contract on Tyneside.

Newcastle used his unveiling to reveal his lifetime allegiance to the club, tweeting out a picture of him sporting the team's threads as a child. His parents originally hail from the northeast.

"It was a childhood dream of mine to represent Newcastle and the opportunity is now here. I can't wait to get started," he told the club website.

In two league meetings between Norwich and Newcastle in 2016-17, Murphy claimed two goals and an assist.

Murphy is adept on both flanks, but mostly appeared on the right for the Canaries last term. That would put him in immediate competition with the similarly versatile Matt Ritchie, although Yoan Gouffran's departure to Turkish Super Lig outfit Goztepe does free up the left-hand side.

"He's a young and talented player and hopefully he can develop even more here," manager Rafa Benitez said.

"We hope he can show us the passion, commitment and ability that he showed in the Championship last season."

Newcastle begins its Premier League return by welcoming Tottenham Hotspur to St James' Park on Aug. 13.