Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has ruled out the possibility of signing Leeds United midfielder Luke Murphy again this summer, according to The Burton Mail.

Clough has revealed that finances will prevent Burton from completing any permanent deal or another loan for Murphy.

Murphy has spent the past season and a half on loan at Burton, helping guide them to safety last year in the Premier League and they were five minutes away from surviving again this season.

The 28-year-old has played a total of 61 matches for the Brewers in total since joining on an initial six month loan in January 2017, including 41 matches and one goal this season.

But Clough has admitted defeat in attempts to sign Murphy permanently.

Quizzed over whether he would pursue a permanent deal, he said: "No, finances will prohibit that unfortunately."

The former Crewe Alexandra star joined Leeds in 2013, playing over 100 games for the Whites before being frozen out in the 2016/17 season.

But Clough hopes Murphy is given another chance at Elland Road.

He added: "I'm going to put a call in to Paul Heckingbottom in the next couple of days just to make sure he's aware of he well he's done for us.

"He got frozen out at Leeds two years ago, he joined us in the January and then he came back. But I think Paul will look at the situation differently.

"I think he phoned him as soon as he got the job as well, which helped. And I think Luke will get a chance at Leeds next season to prove himself in the Championship, I hope he does, because he's good enough."

The Verdict

Murphy has enjoyed an excellent stint at Burton but whether he is given another opportunity at Leeds depends on how well he impresses in pre-season.

The central midfield man needs to play his way into Paul Heckingbottom's plans.

If Leeds decide he is not good enough, there will be plenty of suitors in the Championship.

Leeds fans - Would you give Murphy another chance? Let us know below...