Newcastle star Jacob Murphy’s brother Josh at centre of six-way transfer battle after wowing scouts in League One clash

JOSH MURPHY’S red-hot form has attracted interest from five Championship clubs and the MLS.

The twin brother of Newcastle ace Jacob scored and set up two in Oxford United’s 5-0 thumping of Peterborough on Saturday – and is available on a free transfer this summer.

RexOxford’s wanted wideman Josh Murphy celebrates scoring vs Posh[/caption]

Brothers Josh and Jacob began their careers together at NorwichRex Features

Scouts from Southampton, West Brom, QPR, Sunderland and Hull along with Minnesota were present at the Kassam Stadium, with the 29-year-old out of contract at the end of the season.

The winger has netted six times in his last 12 League One matches to fire Oxford into the play-off spots.

U’s boss Des Buckingham said: “He’s a wonderful player. I’m delighted to see how happy he is enjoying his football.”

But unless Oxford win promotion to the Championship, they are braced for talisman Murphy to move on in the summer.

Buckingham added:”He’s very settled and if he keeps performing that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest.”

Murphy once cost an £11million transfer fee when Cardiff paid Norwich that sum of money in 2018.

He arrived at Oxford on a two-year deal in July 2022.

And his scintillating form is a major reason they are so well-placed to win a play-off place.

The U’s sit sixth, having a three-point advantage and a game in hand on Blackpool just below them.

Meanwhile, brother Jacob missed 19 games with a shoulder injury this season before returning for Newcastle in January.

He was an unused sub in Saturday’s 4-0 thumping of Tottenham.

But he will hope to get more game time as the sixth-placed Magpies push to clinch a place in Europe for next season.