Derby County and Portsmouth join QPR in race for promotion winner

05/22/2024 02:57 AM

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. He sees his deal at the Kassam Stadium expire at the end of next month and is yet to put pen-to-paper on an extension.

Murphy, 29, is due to become a free agent as things stand and will be weighing up his next move in the game. He scored twice for the U’s in their 2-0 League One play-off final win over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley last weekend.

In this latest update regarding his situation with Des Buckingham’s side by talkSPORT, fellow promoted third tier sides Derby County and Portsmouth have joined the race for his signature. They are both in the hunt for new faces as they prepare for the new campaign.

Derby County and Portsmouth target winger

Murphy made 38 appearances for Oxford United in this past season and chipped in with 10 goals and six assists.

He appears to be a man in-demand at the moment and The Sun claimed last month that the likes of QPR, Hull City, West Brom, Sunderland, Southampton and Minnesota United have been casting their eyes over him.

The attacker joined the U’s back in 2022 and his time there has worked out well for him as he has been able to find his best form and boost his confidence.

Murphy rose up through the academy ranks at Norwich City and went on to play 100 games for their first-team as a youngster, scoring 18 goals.

He also had loan spells away from Carrow Road at Wigan Athletic and MK Dons to get some experience under his belt.

The Londoner left the Canaries on a permanent basis in 2018 and spent four years at Cardiff City before his switch to the U’s, some of which he spent with Preston North End.

What next?

Murphy has a big decision to make on his future and losing him to a league rival would be a huge blow for Oxford United.

Derby County could see him as someone to bolster their attacking department following their promotion under former Rotherham United boss Paul Warne.

As for Portsmouth, they won the third tier title and have a big couple of months ahead as they aim to inject more quality into their ranks.

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