QPR, Sunderland, Southampton, and West Brom may be sweating over Oxford United……
Josh Murphy has led the U’s reach the League One play-off final, and promotion might prohibit any transfer deal from occurring.
Oxford United moved one step closer to the Championship with a dramatic play-off victory over Peterborough United.
Josh Murphy’s remarkable play has sparked attention from a number of Championship clubs following his recovery under Buckingham.
Murphy’s strong connection with his boss may keep him at Oxford United, despite probable Championship interest.
Oxford United are only 90 minutes away from the Championship after defeating Peterborough United in the play-off semi-finals, and they are one step closer to retaining one of their greatest assets.
The U’s had a one-goal lead going into Wednesday’s second leg after a 1-0 victory at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, and a 1-1 draw at London Road secured their place at Wembley Stadium against Bolton Wanderers.
Josh Knight leveled the draw with the first goal of the night, before Cameron Brannagan’s penalty shortly before halftime secured the stalemate, despite a late onslaught from the hosts.
A number of Championship teams would have kept a close eye on the two matches, with one United player attracting interest from a number of second-tier clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Josh Murphy’s remarkable run at Oxford United has Championship teams on red alert.
Josh Murphy has been one of Oxford’s standout players this season, with the 29-year-old shining under Des Buckingham’s coaching since the new manager was appointed.
The winger is displaying the form that won him a reputed £11 million transfer from Norwich City to Cardiff City earlier in his career, before slipping to League One two years ago.
Murphy has been rolling back the years in the second half of the season, with his blistering pace, eye for goal, and nasty delivery into the penalty box, and he appears to be a man re-energized by his love of the sport.
With six goals and three assists since February, the former MK Dons loanee has helped keep the U’s playoff hopes alive despite a difficult start under new manager Buckingham.
Four victories in his first 15 league matches in charge appeared to rule out a top-six finish for the former Mumbai City manager, but a late recovery saw them claim their play-off spot, and they have made the most of that opportunity, with only one match remaining between them and the second tier.
Murphy ran the Posh ragged over both legs of the semi-final, as he has done so frequently this season, with his unpredictable attitude and whippet-like pace keeping defenders on edge as they attempted to cope with the threat he represents.
Championship interest grows for former Cardiff City star
It comes as no surprise that a number of Championship clubs are keeping an eye on the playmaker as the summer approaches, with five clubs reportedly interested in his services.
Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Sunderland, and Hull City are all reportedly keeping an eye on Murphy, the twin brother of Newcastle United’s Jacob, whose current contract is set to expire next month.
When pressed early this season, manager Buckingham refused to haste to resolve the problem.
He said, “We’ll worry about that later. He’s an excellent player who fits the way we want to play.
“I truly like him as a person and appreciate working with him. He enjoys being in and around the club, and we will do everything we can to keep him here.
