Blackburn Rovers are in the market for more attacking talent this summer and could look to sign the hero of the League One play-off final, according to reports.
Josh Murphy is out of contract next month despite guiding Oxford United to the Championship with a brace in the final on Sunday against favourites Bolton Wanderers. Despite having just 36% of the ball, two goals from the former Norwich City winger before half-time sealed the victory at Wembley for the U’s.
It was quite a difficult season for Oxford. Having lost former manager Liam Manning back in November, ex-youth player and coach Des Buckingham was handed the reins after a successful spell in India with Mumbai City.
When Buckingham took over the Kassam Stadium, the club were inside the automatic promotion spots but before the final game of the season, Oxford were outside the play-offs. Nonetheless, a victory over Exeter City on the last day coincided with Lincoln City‘s defeat at home to Portsmouth which lifted the Oxfordshire outfit back inside the top six.
Having beaten Peterborough United in the play-off semis and later Bolton in the final, Oxford United are now back in the Championship but the question marks over Murphy’s future with the club still remain.
Former Blackburn Rovers Star To Be Released By Championship Club
There has been interest from a number of different teams in the Championship in the 29-year-old and TeamTalk are now reporting that Blackburn Rovers have joined the race for Murphy’s signature, alongside Stoke City. The Lancashire side will battle it out with the likes of newly-promoted clubs Derby County and Portsmouth.
Writer’s View
Blackburn Rovers are looking to sign more attacking players this summer, like Murphy, due to top goalscorer Sammie Szmodics’ uncertain future at Ewood Park, having already been linked to clubs in the Premier League following his 33-goal season.
Murphy has had a really good season at Oxford United, scoring eight goals and recording four assists, but as he nears 30, the wide-man may be looking for a more lucrative contract which Blackburn or Derby may be able to offer him.
