'Deal done' - QPR, Sunderland and West Brom beaten to 'outstanding' transfer by Championship rivals

QPR are one of several Championship clubs who have been beaten to the signing of winger Josh Murphy by newly promoted Portsmouth.

Pompey confirmed the signing of the former Premier League star on Tuesday evening after he exited Oxford United as a free agent. Murphy made headlines by scoring both goals in the League One play-off final, helping the U's into the second tier.

Oxford United had been keen to keep their star man, offering the player a new deal, but Murphy has elected to work with John Mousinho at Fratton Park. The News had reported that Sunderland, West Brom, Derby County and Hull City had all been looking at a free transfer for the player, as well as QPR.

Marti Cifuentes' side are known to be in the market for a winger this summer. There are still questions over Ilias Chair's future at Loftus Road while Chris Willock is yet to agree a new deal as his current contract draws to a close. Beerschot winger Thibaud Verlinden is rumoured to be another option for QPR this window.

A move for Murphy, who is primarily a left winger but can play on either flank, would have been a coup for QPR. Murphy previously represented Norwich City and Cardiff City in the Premier League with the Welsh side forking out £11 million for his services in 2018.

As Portsmouth confirmed the signing, Mousinho told the club website: “Josh brings a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience for starters. He was one of the outstanding players in League One during the second half of last season, which culminated in that Wembley brace to take Oxford up.

"He’s an exciting winger, who possesses goals and assists in his arsenal. There’s also out-and-out pace on either flank. Josh can get the fans excited with the way he plays, so we’re absolutely delighted to get the deal done.”