Murphy, a former Waterford United player, is the supposed £2 million target of Queen's Park Rangers. Many Sunderland fans would jump at the chance of an extra few 'bob' in the kitty, having seen Murphy fail to impress during his chances this season.
Meanwhile Connolly, 30, is very-much a fans' favourite who was expected to challenge the likes of Michael Chopra for a starting-place. Surprisingly, the former-Feyenoord striker has only started once this season.