Derby County 'interested' in £500k Oxford United star attacker

Derby County are reportedly interested in Oxford United attacker Josh Murphy.

According to Derby County News, the Rams are targeting the winger who has previously played for Norwich, MK Dons, Preston North End and Cardiff City.

Murphy’s current deal at Oxford expires in the summer, however it seems likely that Oxford will offer him a new contract so the Rams may have to dip into their pockets if they are to land his signature.

Reports also suggest Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Southampton are keen on signing Murphy.

The 29 year-old had a good season with the U’s, scoring eight goals and recording five assists.

Derby currently have a couple of good options down the wings with the likes of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Joe Ward, so Murphy could find himself playing more of a striker role if he was to join Derby.

Paul Warne liked to play a winger in Nathaniel Mendez-Laing up front with an out and out striker (James Collins) - which means that he may have Murphy in mind as a player that can help up front.

The Rams are in desperate need of striking options as they currently only have Conor Washington and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing under contract.

However, it is understood that Derby are in talks with James Collins to bring him back as Collins’ contract expires this summer.