A Sunderland summer transfer target’s ‘preference’ has now been revealed, ahead of his contract expiry next month.
Sunderland have a number of players on their radar ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window opening on June 14th.
Despite not having a manager in place for more than three months, the Black Cats appear to be chasing summer signings, with Divin Mubama another name on Kristjaan Speakman’s list.
Josh Murphy is another; the 29-year-old winger was linked with the likes of Sunderland, West Brom, and Southampton earlier in the year.
Twin brother of Newcastle United man Jacob, Josh Murphy recently fired Oxford United to League One promotion, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win vs Bolton Wanderers at Wembley.
He’s out of contract in June but Oxford United have since revealed, via their retained list, that they’re in contract discussions with Murphy.
Josh Murphy ‘preference’ revealed amid Sunderland interest
Speaking to Oxford Mail, Murphy’s father, John Murphy, has now revealed his son Josh’s preference ahead of the summer.
Murphy is apparently ‘very happy’ at Oxford United and it is his ‘preference’ to say with the U’s beyond this summer.
John Murphy added: “The manager [Des Buckingham] and Josh work really well together, Des trusts Josh and I think he has got the best out of him
“It has helped with Josh having a son, Aaro, who came along in October and he has a really good partner. Everything has just clicked at the right time.
“The first year at Oxford wasn’t great but I think anyone would have taken that at Wembley.”
Former Norwich City, Cardiff City, and England youth player Murphy scored 10 goals in all competitions for Oxford United in 2023/24, with four of his goals coming since the start of April.
A recurring theme for Sunderland this summer
Murphy never seemed like an overwhelming potential signing for Sunderland. But he showed his quality in the play-off final and that might have piqued the interest of Sunderland and other Championship clubs.
But it looks like Murphy is set to stay at Oxford United. Perhaps understandably so after it was Oxford who gave him his chance after some tough years, and new boss Buckingham who’s started to get the most out of him, like John says.
For Sunderland then, it’s another name they’re likely to miss out on, with the Black Cats experiencing the same feeling in their ongoing, and prolonged managerial search.
It may show how those in football feel about the state of affairs at the Stadium of Light right now, with fans certainly feeling deject and unhopeful as we move further into the summer.