A newly-promoted club could have a ‘useful advantage’ over Sunderland in their pursuit of a ‘wonderful’ player.
Sunderland have been linked with very few players since the end of the season, with their main focus still going on bringing in a new manager.
The Black Cats continue to beheavily linked with Will Still and it appears they aren’t far away from finally appointing a permanent successor.
While all eyes have been on their search, they have been credited with taking interest in one League One star in recent weeks.
Reports have claimed that Sunderland were one of a number of clubs to send scouts to watch Josh Murphy during Oxford United’s 5-0 win over Peterborough United last month.
The ‘wonderful’ winger looked to be on his way out at the end of his contract, if Oxford failed to win promotion.
However, Murphy went onto net a brace in the League One play-off final, meaning he is now set to play Championship football next season.
Despite Oxford’s success, several teams continue to be linked with the 29-year-old as he remains out of contract.
Murphy has already spoken on his future following the Wembley victory, but has given very little away.
Portsmouth have ‘useful advantage’ in attacker pursuit
Derby County and Portsmouth have now become the latest clubs to join the race for his signature, with the two clubs winning automatic promotion alongside the U’s.
While moving to another newly-promoted club may not be as tempting, talkSPORT have reported that Pompey have a ‘useful advantage’ in their pursuit, as manager John Mousinho played with Murphy at the Kassam Stadium.
The 38-year-old ended his playing career with six years at Oxford, with Murphy joining the club for his final year.
The likes of West Brom and Southampton are also battling for Murphy’s signature this summer.
Is Josh Murphy good enough for Sunderland?
The attacker could be a solid signing for any Championship club on a free transfer, but Sunderland fans would be pretty underwhelmed if he was signed to become a regular starter.
If Jack Clarke is to leave, the Black Cats need to target players that are guaranteed to reach double figures over the season.
Murphy had an impressive end to the campaign, but has never scored over eight league goals – and that came in the division below.
He would be a quality squad player for Sunderland, but it seems unlikely that Murphy would move to the Stadium of Light to sit on the bench.