Portsmouth tipped to beat Derby and Blackburn to signing of Oxford winger 'tonight'

The Blues’ bid to bring the winger to Fratton Park ahead of their Championship return is believed to be heading towards a swift and successful conclusion - if the most recent update on John Mousinho’s interest in the Oxford United player proves to be true.

According to transfer specialist Pete O’Rourke, Pompey will see off stiff competition from the U’s, Derby and Blackburn, with the player’s agent already on the south coast to wrap up a deal. A long-term contract is reportedly on the table for the 29-year-old to sign.

Providing his insight into the deal, O’Rourke posted on X, formerly Twitter: ‘’Portsmouth set to win the race to sign Josh Murphy on a free transfer beating off stiff competition from Oxford, Derby & Blackburn. 

‘Murphy’s representatives have arrived in Portsmouth tonight ahead of signing a long-term deal.’

Pompey’s interest in Murphy emerged after he helped Oxford seal their place in the Championship with a double in the U’s’ League One play-off final win against Bolton. That took the former £11m man’s goal tally to the season to 10. He also finished the campaign with five assists.

Mousinho knows the player well, having played been a team-mate of the former Norwich and Cardiff wideman during his time spent at the Kassam Stadium.

Speaking to The News last week, the Blues head coach spoke of his admiration for Murphy. He said: ‘The truth on that is I know Josh, and he’s a fantastic player.

‘He had a really good back end to the season but for those kind of players, whether there’s interest or not, we want to keep everything respectful of the players, other clubs and everything else going on.

‘There is links with Josh because I played for him previously, but whether we’ve got any interest or not it’s something we have to leave alone and not really comment on.’

Pompey are looking for attacking reinforcements after saying goodbye to loanees Abu Kamara, Myles Perat-Harris, Tino Anjorin and Alex Robertson at the end of last season. Murphy will be seen as a direct replacement for Kamara, who is back at parent club Norwich.

The Blues have completed one signing to date this summer - former Barnsley captain Jordan Williams, also on a free transfer.

Among other teams linked with Murphy were Sunderland, Hull, QPR and West Brom.