By Wayne Veysey

29th Apr, 2021 | 2:17pm

Sources: Preston and Millwall lead race to sign ex-Liverpool star Brannagan

Preston North End and Millwall are leading the race to sign Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan this summer, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.

The 24-year-old has been one of the League One side’s standout performers this season and his future will depend on whether Oxford win promotion or not.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Millwall are long-term admirers of the former Liverpool youngster and tried to sign him last summer.

Brannagan still has just over two years remaining on his contract at the Kassam Stadium, having penned an extension in August of last year.

He has made 36 appearances across all competitions this season, and has played a pivotal role in Oxford winning four of their last five league fixtures.

Such form has helped lift Karl Robinson’s side back into play-off contention with two games of the season remaining.

Born in Manchester, Brannagan has amassed 140 appearances for Oxford since his arrival from Liverpool in January 2018.

The centre-midfielder made his debut for the Premier League giants in September 2015 but ultimately failed to establish himself as part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

The former England Under-20 international played nine times for the Reds before a loan move to Fleetwood Town for the second half of the 2016-17 campaign.

A permanent move to The U’s would follow for Brannagan and he has excelled under the management of Karl Robinson in the past two seasons.

His development has not gone unnoticed by Championship clubs and if Oxford fail to achieve promotion via the play-offs Millwall and Preston North End will look to pounce.

In other news, Leeds United have rejected an offer for one of their young stars as Bielsa wants him to join English club.