Highlights
- Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers join clubs interested in Josh Murphy, who may be available on a free transfer this summer.
- Murphy starred for Oxford United, helping them secure a return to the Championship, attracting attention from multiple clubs.
- Oxford aims to keep Murphy but face competition from Portsmouth, Derby, Stoke, and Blackburn seeking attacking options.
Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers are the latest clubs to show an interest in Oxford United’s Josh Murphy, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.
The 29-year-old attacker has had an interesting career so far, having started out with Norwich City before earning a big-money move to Cardiff City.
Murphy’s time in the Welsh capital didn’t really go to plan, and after a tough time on loan at Preston, he joined the U’s on a two-year deal in 2022.
A difficult first year followed, but Murphy gradually grew in importance for Oxford, and he was particularly important during the past few months of this campaign as he helped fire Des Buckingham’s side to the play-offs.
Then, Murphy memorably starred at Wembley, scoring the two goals to help the side overcome Bolton, which sealed their return to the Championship.
Josh Murphy transfer latest
Yet, with his contract expiring this summer, Oxford are vulnerable to losing their star man, and it has been claimed that Portsmouth and Derby are among several clubs keeping tabs on the player as they weigh up an offer to Murphy.
And, in a fresh development, TEAMtalk has stated that Stoke and Blackburn are now monitoring the versatile winger, as they both seek reinforcements in the final third this summer.
“Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers have joined the busy chase to sign Oxford United play-off hero Josh Murphy.
“A host of clubs have already been linked with moves for Murphy, including Portsmouth and Derby County. Sources have now confirmed to TEAMtalk that Championship rivals Stoke and Blackburn have joined the race by expressing their interest in the attacker.
“Oxford are keen to keep hold of Murphy and have opened talks with the former Cardiff City man over a new deal at the Kassam Stadium. However, they face a race against time as clubs are lining up to snare the former England youth international.”
Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers need attacking improvements
It was a difficult season for both Stoke and Blackburn, as they both battled to stay in the Championship, with the Potters needing a late run of victories to survive, with Rovers only stopping up on the final day.
Ahead of his first full season in charge, Steven Schumacher is expected to make major changes at the bet365 Stadium, as he looks to build a team that is capable of challenging for a play-off spot.
Meanwhile, John Eustace is going to face a battle to retain Sammie Szmodics after his incredible individual campaign, so you would imagine that increasing his options in the final third is going to be a priority if the top scorer does move on.
Josh Murphy has a big decision to make
Murphy has enjoyed his time at Oxford, and he will have appreciated the chance to play regularly and to show what he can do after a difficult few years in his career.
Stoke City plotting summer transfer swoop for 24-year-old midfielder
Stoke City are interested in signing Fleetwood Town midfielder Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu in the summer transfer window.
So, he will recognise the importance of finding the right club to ensure he enjoys his football at what should be his peak years.
The level of interest in Murphy is no surprise considering he is a free agent, and he will be a real coup for whichever club does win the race for his signature.