Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers join transfer race for 8-goal attacker | OneFootball

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 key 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.

But, they reiterate that both clubs face comeptition to sign Murphy, with the newly-promoted Rams and Pompey also keeping tabs, and it has been told previously that West Brom are admirers of the player.

Furthermore, the update said that Oxford remain in talks with Murphy over an extension, and they will hope that he is tempted to stay put now that they can offer Championship football.

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.

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.

Many clubs in the Championship this summer will not be in a position to splash the cash, so it's about identifying bargains, and Murphy certainly falls into that category due to his contract status.

At 29, this is a crucial deal in his career both financially and from a sporting perspective, and he would be right to take his time and mull over the offers that come his way.

Then, Murphy will hope to build on what has been an exceptional 2024 for him on an individual basis, and he should head into the new season with real confidence and belief after how he has been performing.