Josh Murphy's 'preference' to stay at Oxford United

Murphy hit a hot streak in the latter stages of the season and scored both goals in United’s play-off final win against Bolton Wanderers at Wembley on Saturday (May 18).

The historic win means the club will compete in the second tier of English football for the first time since 1999.

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However, with his two-year contract with the club coming to an end in June there has been speculation surrounding his future.

The winger has been linked with clubs including Sunderland, West Brom and Southampton.

However, John Murphy, his dad, said his son is “very happy” at Oxford United with his “preference” to stay at the club.

He told the Oxford Mail: “He is obviously an Oxford player as we speak and he would love to stay, genuinely would love to stay.

“Football is a funny game and a lot of things come into play.

“He was on a two-year contract, he has completed his two-year contract and would love another contract with Oxford.

“But finances and with football being football, who knows what will happen.

“I am sure there will be a conversation over the next few days about whether he can stay but I know that would definitely be his preference.”

U's head coach Des Buckingham was asked after the play-off final win against Bolton Wanderers about Murphy’s future.

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He said: “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.”

Buckingham also revealed that he spoke with Murphy in the royal box when the players and staff were lifting the play-off final trophy.

He said: “I may of have had a chat with him when we were up on the gantry lifting the trophy.

“We’ll do as much as we can to try and keep Josh here. He’s a wonderful person, a very good player, and he suits the way we want to do things.

“We’ll do as much as we can and see where that takes us.”

Murphy himself said: “I want to play as high as I can. I think I owe it to myself, to my family, and to the club. We’re in the Championship now, so let’s see what happens.

“I just want to take my mind off everything. It’s been a long season, a tough season, and I just want to enjoy myself.”