Former Reading trialist makes Championship return after impressive Oxford exploits

Former Reading trialist Josh Murphy has returned to the Championship after his impressive displays with Oxford United tempted champions Portsmouth to sign the winger.

29-year-old Murphy spent the summer of 2022 on trial with the Royals, featuring in friendlies against the likes of Benfica and QPR, under boss Paul Ince but was deemed not worthy of pursuing.

The former Norwich City and Cardiff City star dropped into League One with Oxford and has now made a return to the second tier after impressing with the Us.

Scoring 10 goals last season, Des Buckingham's side won the third tier play-offs to make a first Championship appearance since 1999, leaving Reading down in the lower leagues.

Despite opening talks to remain at the Kassam Stadium, the former England youth star turned down advances which would have made him the highest-paid player to join League One winners Portsmouth.

Signing a three-year deal, he will link up with former Royal Tom McIntyre at Fratton Park.