Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United are battling a number of fellow Championship clubs to sign Cameron Brannagan from League One Oxford, as reported by The Sun.
The former Liverpool youngster swept the board in Oxford United’s end-of-season award show this week. Whether he will be sticking around at the Kassam to defend his Players’ Player of the Year crown is anyone’s guess.
Brannagan, a one-time Leeds target, has just over 12 months left on his contract.
In addition to Sheffield United and QPR, Stoke City, Blackpool and Preston North End are interested in a bargain deal for a man who’s scored 14 goals this season from central midfield, including four, yes four, penalties in February’s 7-2 thumping of Gillingham.
Is Cameron Brannagan leaving Oxford United?
When quizzed on his future this week, Brannagan was at pains to point out that he’s still loving life at Oxford despite missing out on a play-off place in the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Rotherham.
“I’m contracted to the club and I absolutely love it here,” says the Manchester-born 25-year-old. “I’d be lying if I said anything else.
“I’ve always said a big part of your life is not just on the pitch but off the pitch and I’m very happy.
“I just want to focus on my football and when pre-season comes I’ll work hard. I want to rebuild and get out of this league.”
Of course, there is another way that Brannagan can break free of his League One prison. The Oxford Mail claim that Blackpool have already submitted two bids, the biggest being in the region of £1 million.
The Sun, meanwhile, adds that Brannagan’s £2.5 million price-tag has dropped considerably amid his contract situation. QPR director Les Ferdinand, who also scouted Randers star Tosin Kehinde recently, watched Brannagan against MK Dons last month.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, appear to be prioritising a dynamic central midfielder a la Brannagan. Belgium U21 star Mandela Keita and former West Ham enforcer Josh Cullen are two targets.
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