Murphy spent time on loan with Ipswich last season and the Championship side have also been linked with the striker.
“We think we’re pretty close with Murphy from Sunderland,” Lennon told philly.com. “I think so.”
Lennon replied, when asked if Murphy would be joining the Scottish side in America: “If we can get it done, yeah.”
He added: “He’s quick, he’s six foot two and I’ve watched him a lot for a few years now.
“He was playing for Ireland in an end of season tour in America, he caught my eye and I’ve kept an eye on him ever since.
“I think he’d do all right, he could take the hits for us up here.”
