An in-form winger formerly valued at £11 million was’scouted’ by Southampton, West Brom, and Sunderland.

Rumors of a Sunderland transfer are circulating as the Black Cats evaluate their alternatives before the summer window.

Josh Murphy, an Oxford winger, is reportedly attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs, including Sunderland.

The 29-year-old, who is Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy’s twin brother, has helped the U’s move up to sixth place in League One this season with six goals and four assists for Oxford. After signed a two-year contract with the team after being released by Cardiff in 2022, Murphy will not have a contract at the Kassam Stadium this summer.

2018 saw the Bluebirds pay Norwich a whopping £11 million for Murphy, who rose through the Carrow Road ranks. Following his move to South Wales, the winger also spent time on loan at Preston.

Scouts from Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Sunderland, Hull, and MLS team Minnesota were reportedly present at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday as Oxford defeated Peterborough 5-0.

Murphy, who gave Oxford their second goal against the Posh, was praised by U’s manager Des Buckingham as a “wonderful player.” It pleases me to see how much fun he is having playing football.

Buckingham responded, “He’s very settled and if he keeps performing that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest,” in response to a question concerning interest in the winger.

With a game remaining against the Tangerines, Oxford is three points ahead of seventh-place Blackpool and in a strong position to make the playoffs. In the third tier, Bolton, Peterborough, and Barnsley presently hold the other play-off spots.