Portsmouth to use John Mousinho links in transfer battle for Josh Murphy – report
Portsmouth are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Championship and are interested in Oxford United’s Josh Murphy, according to talkSPORT.
Murphy’s double helped Oxford beat Bolton Wanderers at Wembley at the weekend to join Pompey out of League One for next term, and the winger’s connection with John Mousinho from the Kassam Stadium could give the Blues the advantage over competitors such as Derby County, as per Alex Crook’s report [21 May].
The 29-year-old cost Cardiff City £11million in 2018 when they signed him from Norwich City, and he could prove a fruitful addition to Mousinho’s squad at Fratton Park as wholesale changes take place.
Portsmouth could opt for Murphy over slightly more senior alternatives such as academy product Matt Ritchie, who is a free agent this summer with his Newcastle United deal coming to an end.
Portsmouth looking for Championship experience
Portsmouth are in the early stages of their unenviable task of building a Championship squad.
Having released 10 first-teamers, the club are also likely to offload some contracted players – either on loan or permanently – who they don’t feel can be genuine assets in their maiden season back in the Championship.
Murphy would be an addition that makes sense, although the deal perhaps may have been more feasible had Oxford been consigned to League One for another season by Bolton.
The winger is settled at the Us and would be one of the main men for the club in the second tier.
His connection with Mousinho does give the deal a potential starting block, however, and would suit the blend of potential and Championship experience for the marathon ahead.
In other Portsmouth news, Don Goodman predicts where Pompey will finish next season.
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