DES Buckingham says Oxford United will do everything the club can to keep hold of in-form Josh Murphy.

The 29-year-old winger, who has scored six goals in his last 12 games, is out of contract at the end of the season.

His form, which also includes three assists in his last three games, and contract situation, is bound to be attracting the interest of other clubs, something U’s head coach Buckingham recognised.

Des Buckingham: ‘Best football we’ve played since I’ve been here’

He said: “We’ll worry about that later. He’s a wonderful player and suits the system we want to play.

“I really enjoy him as a person, and I really enjoy working with him. He loves being in and around this club, and we’ll do what we can to try and keep him here.

“If there are opportunities that come up for him, we can address those and try and do our best at the end of the season.

“I’m delighted to see how happy he is enjoying his football. He’s very settled and if he keeps performing that way, I’m sure he’ll attract interest.”

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Buckingham added: “He’s been here nearly two years now, and the first 18 months, whether it be through not being selected or injury, kept him out of the side.

“We’ve changed the way we want to play since I’ve come in, and he suits it down to the ground.

“He’s able to show now what he’s capable of doing, and he’s got players in and around him that really support him, and bring out the best in him.

“There’s also a lot to be said about him as a person. He’s really settled down with his young family, and maybe that’s played a part in it as well.

“I love working with Josh. When you get to spend time with him, he’s a wonderful human being.

“You meet a lot of them in football, but when you get to work with them on a day-to-day basis, it’s something I hope to do for many years.”