Winger Josh Murphy, who netted 10 goals in 38 appearances for Oxford United this season, is reportedly attracting interest from Pompey.
Murphy scored both goals in Oxford’s 2-0 League One play-off final victory against Bolton on Sunday, securing the U’s promotion to the Championship for the first time since 1999.
With his contract expiring this summer, the former £11m man has been linked with a move by Pompey manager John Mousinho, who may be eyeing his ex-Kassam Stadium teammate for a potential swoop.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Pompey have joined Derby in the pursuit of 29-year-old winger Josh Murphy, who has experience playing for Cardiff in the Premier League.
Murphy signed a two-year contract with Oxford United in July 2022 after being released by Cardiff. Since then, he has made 62 appearances and scored 10 goals for Oxford. Starting his career at Norwich, Murphy had loan spells with Wigan and MK Dons before joining Cardiff for £11m in June 2018. He made 22 Premier League starts in the 2018-19 season, scoring against Burnley, Fulham, and West Ham, although Cardiff were relegated to the Championship that year.
Murphy spent six months as an Oxford teammate of John Mousinho before Mousinho became Pompey’s head coach in January 2023. Pompey is looking to strengthen their wing options this summer, particularly with Abu Kamara returning to Norwich after an impressive loan spell.
Among the current wide players on Pompey’s roster, Paddy Lane is expected to be a strong contender for a starting position in the Championship next season after a stellar campaign. Meanwhile, Gavin Whyte and Anthony Scully have more to prove after struggling in their first seasons at Fratton Park, with Scully facing injury issues.
Given Murphy’s impressive performance at Wembley, Pompey is now reportedly keen on securing the in-demand winger.
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