Nottingham Forest look set to be frustrated in any bid to bring Jacob Murphy to the City Ground.
The Reds have been consistently linked with a move for the Newcastle United winger this summer, however, he is "catching the eye" of manager Steve Bruce, according to coach Steve Agnew.
Murphy, 25, scored from the penalty spot in Saturday's 2-1 win over Barnsley and afterwards, Agnew dropped a massive hint over the player's future at the Premier League club.
Agnew told Chronicle Live: "He has genuine pace.
"Confidence is the key word.
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"He also added goals to his game in the Championship and finished with nine in a successful loan period.
"He's certainly taken the manager's eye in this short pre-season so we will keep on with Jacob to get on with his work.
"I'm sure he will be around it this season."
Murphy was loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday last season and the Owls are keen to take him back after he appeared to be surplus to requirements. However, that seems unlikely to be the case now heading into the new season.
