Sunderland scout Oxford star in big demand as transfer competition steps up

Sunderland are one of six clubs who have been tracking in-form Oxford United winger Josh Murphy, who scored and assisted in the U’s 5-0 hammering of Peterborough on Saturday as they hunt for promotion.

The twin brother of Newcastle star Jacob, is available on a free transfer this summer as his contract expires with Des Buckingham’s side in late June, and as such the wideman who was once valued at an eight-figure sum during his time at Cardiff, is being tracked by many second tier sides given his scintillating form of late which has fired the U’s into the League One play-off places.

According to The Sun, scouts from Wearside as well as Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Hull and MLS side Minnesota were all present at the Kassam Stadium to witness the 29-year-old’s dazzling display. The left-winger, who can also be deployed through the middle or wide-right, has found the net twice and set up three goals in his last three outings, as Murphy continues to spearhead United’s red hot run of form.

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Oxford are set to do everything in their power to keep him according to boss Buckingham, who has said of the in-form wideman after The Posh victory: “He loves being in and around this club, and we’ll do what we can to try and keep him. He’s very settled, and if he keeps performing in that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest.”

If Sunderland are to part with star man Jack Clarke in the summer, then the former England youth international could be a suitable candidate to replace him, but the Black Cats will have to fend off attractive packages from some of the second tier’s biggest clubs in Southampton and Albion to secure Murphy’s signature. And with Sunderland’s recruitment model being centred around younger players, it could be conceivable the Black Cats look elsewhere.

However, given the lack of transfer fee required for Murphy as well as his experience and goal-threat, the move would seem a sensible one for Sunderland to pursue - especially in the event of 15-goal man Clarke’s increasingly likely departure.