Derby County and Portsmouth are keen on a move for Oxford United winger Josh Murphy this summer, according to a report by talkSPORT.
Oxford United are in for a battle to keep hold of their key attacker amid his uncertain contract situation. His deal at the Kassam Stadium expire at the end of next month and is yet to put pen-to-paper on an extension.
As things stand, Murphy, aged 29, is set to become a free agent and is considering his next move in the football world. His standout performance, scoring twice for Oxford United in their 2-0 League One play-off final victory over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley, has attracted attention.
According to a recent update from talkSPORT, fellow promoted League One sides Derby County and Portsmouth have entered the race for Murphy’s signature, as they seek to strengthen their squads for the upcoming campaign.
Murphy’s impressive season saw him make 38 appearances for Oxford United, contributing 10 goals and six assists. He is evidently a sought-after player, with The Sun reporting last month that clubs such as QPR, Hull City, West Brom, Sunderland, Southampton, and Minnesota United have also expressed interest in acquiring his services.
Murphy’s journey with Oxford United since joining in 2022 has proven fruitful, allowing him to rediscover his best form and regain confidence.
Having emerged from Norwich City’s academy, Murphy amassed significant first-team experience with the Canaries, featuring in 100 matches and netting 18 goals. Loan spells at Wigan Athletic and MK Dons further enriched his development before departing Norwich permanently in 2018. A four-year stint at Cardiff City followed, punctuated by a temporary spell at Preston North End, before he eventually landed at Oxford United.
Now faced with a pivotal decision about his future, losing Murphy to a league rival would undoubtedly be a significant setback for Oxford United. Derby County may view him as a valuable addition to their attacking lineup following their promotion under former Rotherham United manager Paul Warne. Meanwhile, Portsmouth, having clinched the League One title, are gearing up for a crucial period as they seek to enhance their squad with additional quality signings.
GET MORE NEWS HERE