Dykes deemed Murphy’s personal terms ‘way outside our pay structure.’ ‘I’m disappointed that Alan’s terms were high but while I rate him as a talented front player, he has yet to prove that in the top flight,’ added the Derry boss. 'To push the boat out and sign him would be unfair to the players I have at the club and certainly would not have helped matters in the dressing room.’
Burnley were reportedly impressed with the striker who netted 21 league goals last term, and whilst Murphy is free to come back and discuss matters with Dykes, he may be tempted to move to Flancare Park and current FAI Cup holders Longford Town, who he will meet later with later this week.
Dykes will meet former Manchester United starlet Ben Thornley but made it known that he is not as gung-ho about signing the 28-year-old as before. 'I’ve been made aware that Ben’s very injury prone and the fact that he has done both his cruciate ligaments has affected our stance,’ he stated, ‘I’ve had second thoughts on signing him but we are honouring our commitment to meet him today in Sheffield.’
Also due to meet Derry chairman Jim Roddy and Dykes is Brandywell favourite David Kelly. The former Irish international striker has been alerted to Dykes’ hunt for a ‘physically strong’ striker and could assist Derry in their hunt for new UK-based prospects.