Tigers keep tabs on Murphy
CHAMPIONSHIP promotion hopefuls Hull City are one of a number of clubs linked with a summer transfer window move for in-form Oxford United winger Josh Murphy.
Murphy has bagged six goals in his last 12 games, including a goal and two assists in the thumping 5-0 win over play-off rivals Peterborough United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday which sees them sit sixth with three games to go, and it’s claimed by The Sun the Tigers had scouts there to see the action unfold.
It’s that form throughout the campaign which has seen City, along with West Brom, Sunderland and QPR linked with a move for the 29-year-old, who previously joined Cardiff from Norwich for £11m six years ago, and is the twin brother of Newcastle United ace Jacob.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and would walk away for free should he opt to leave United, but boss Des Buckingham admits to being relaxed about the situation which will be a big talking point in the summer, irrespective of what league they find themselves in.
“We’ll worry about that later. He’s a wonderful player and suits the system we want to play,” U’s
Buckingham told the Oxford Mail. “I really enjoy him as a person, and I really enjoy working with him. He loves being in and around this club, and we’ll do what we can to try and keep him here.
“If there are opportunities that come up for him, we can address those and try and do our best at the end of the season. I’m delighted to see how happy he is enjoying his football. He’s very settled and if he keeps performing that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest.
“He’s been here nearly two years now, and the first 18 months, whether it be through not being selected or injury, kept him out of the side. We’ve changed the way we want to play since I’ve come in, and he suits it down to the ground.
“He’s able to show now what he’s capable of doing, and he’s got players in and around him that really support him, and bring out the best in him.
“There’s also a lot to be said about him as a person. He’s really settled down with his young family, and maybe that’s played a part in it as well.
“I love working with Josh. When you get to spend time with him, he’s a wonderful human being. You meet a lot of them in football, but when you get to work with them on a day-to-day basis, it’s something I hope to do for many years.”