West Brom: Josh Murphy free transfer would mark good business amid ‘fantastic’ development
A free transfer for West Brom-linked Josh Murphy would mark good business for any interested parties this summer, according to Carlton Palmer.
Speaking to Football League World on Tuesday (16 April), the pundit said the 29-year-old is having a “fantastic” season with League One side Oxford United, with The Sun reporting that scouts from the Baggies, Southampton, QPR and Hull City watching him in recent weeks.
He added that it’s no surprise that those clubs are taking a look at him given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season as he suggested the winger could still do a job in the Championship.
“Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Sunderland, and Hull City have all sent scouts in recent weeks to watch Oxford United’s Josh Murphy,” said Palmer. “Murphy is having a fantastic season. Oxford sit in the final play-off place and are on an unbelievable run, with four wins and one draw in their last five games.
“Josh has been very instrumental in that run, scoring six goals in his last 12 games. He is 29, so he is an experienced player, and he joined Cardiff City from Norwich City for £11million six years ago. But he has rediscovered his form, he is playing some excellent football.
“Listen, it is no surprise that these clubs are looking at him, he has been playing well, and he is out of contract at the end of the season, so he will be available on a free transfer. So, is he at that level? Well, he has played at that level before, and he is a talented player, and if he is available on a free, then it represents good business.
“I mean, the Premier League, we are talking a step too far, but the Championship I don’t think is a step too far for him. It just depends on what league these clubs are in, but if he is available on a free at Championship level, that would be good business for any Championship club bringing him in on a free.”
Would a move for Josh Murphy be worthwhile for West Brom?
There is clearly going to be some interest around Murphy following his recent performances as clubs in the second tier will be eyeing a bargain deal.
While his form has been excellent in recent weeks, he did go the best part of 18 months without scoring in League One before his recent purple patch.
There is no harm in West Brom keeping an eye on his progress, but perhaps a bigger sample size is needed before deciding to offer him a deal.
It will also largely depend on which division the Baggies are playing in next season as it would perhaps be too big of a step up to go from the third tier to the Premier League.
But if Albion do miss out on promotion over the next few weeks, then Carlos Corberan will be looking around for some shrewd deals to strengthen his squad for another year in the Championship.
In other West Brom news, Brendan Rodgers has sent a Mikey Johnston return message at Celtic.
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