Derby County were reportedly keen on expected Middlesbrough signing Marcus Browne.
Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has suggested that Derby County were also in the race to sign West Ham United’s Marcus Browne with the player reportedly set to join Middlesbrough, Oxford Mail report.
“We matched Middlesbrough’s offer. Financially we matched four Championship teams, so it just shows you,” Robinson said of Oxford’s bid for the player.
“But when I spoke to Marcus on Tuesday I actually said if the likes of Middlesbrough and Derby County come in for you, we understand and respect that.”
West Ham United’s Browne spent last season on loan at Oxford, scoring or making 14 goals.
At 21, the winger has made just one appearances for the West Ham first team and after entering the final year of his contract with the Hammers, a permanent move away from this club this summer was deemed likely.
Oxford wanted to bring him back, and Robinson’s comments suggests Derby were another in the hunt for his signature.
The Rams have made just two additions so far in Graeme Shinnie and Kieran Dowell. After losing the likes of Harry Wilson, Mason Mount, Bradley Johnson and Craig Bryson this summer, new manager Phillip Cocu is working with a tight squad and many Rams supporters want to see more signings.
Browne would have been ideal to come in and challenge Mason Bennett, Florian Jozefzoon and Tom Lawrence for the wide positions at Pride Park, but it seems he is set to join Middlesbrough instead.
The Oxford Mail state he is currently undergoing a medical at Boro, with a permanent switch to the Riverside Stadium close to completion.
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