Derby County and Portsmouth are two of seven clubs interested in signing Oxford United’s play-off hero Josh Murphy this summer.
According to Talksport, the promoted duo have both set their sights on signing the 29-year-old during the forthcoming transfer window.
Murphy was instrumental in the U’s promotion to the Championship, scoring both goals at Wembley Stadium in their 2-0 play-off final victory over Bolton Wanderers.
During the regular season, the winger scored six goals and assisted four times, helping Des Buckingham’s team finish fifth in the third division table.
Murphy’s contract, however, is set to expire next month, giving him the option of leaving the Kassam Stadium for free.
Derby and Portsmouth are interested in Josh Murphy. Following their automatic promotion from League One, the Rams and Pompey are both set to return to the Championship.
Murphy is apparently a transfer target for both clubs as they prepare to return to the second tier.
Both clubs will be looking to make acquisitions that will allow them to compete in the Championship right away.
However, they will face competition from West Brom, Southampton, and Sunderland, among others, in the hunt to recruit the midfielder.
At least five Championship clubs have already expressed interest in the Oxford United forward.
It’s unclear what Murphy’s future holds, but Buckingham has confirmed that the newly upgraded staff would do everything possible to urge him to stay.
“I may have had a chat with him when we were up on the gantry lifting the trophy,” the 39-year-old told the Oxford Mail.
“We will do everything we can to keep Josh here.
“He’s a beautiful person, a great player, and he fits the way we want to do things.
“We’ll do as much as we can and see where that takes us.”
Oxford United’s Promotion Glory
Buckingham led the club to fifth place in the League One regular season, giving them a chance at promotion via the playoffs.
After defeating Peterborough United 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, the U’s faced Bolton in the capital, where Murphy scored twice in the first half to claim victory.
Following the win, Oxford United will return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 1999.
However, it remains to be seen whether this promotion will be enough to encourage Murphy to remain with the club during the summer transfer window.
Josh Murphy has a major decision ahead.
Murphy currently has seven Championship clubs interested in signing him this summer, in addition to Oxford United’s desire to keep him.
This puts him in a strong negotiation position, allowing him to pit the clubs against each other in order to secure the best financial offer.
However, he will almost certainly want to ensure that he plays in the second level next season.
In that situation, continuing with the club that helped him achieve promotion may be his safest option, especially given his participation in the play-off final.
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