Oxford United manager Karl Robinson is looking to re-sign two of last season’s loan players, reports Jack Johnson of the Oxford Mail.
Left-back Luke Garbutt and striker Jerome Sinclair impressed in the second half of the season as the U’s secured a mid-table finish in League One.
Karl Robinson Eager To Re-Sign Duo
Jerome Sinclair
Sinclair arrived in January on a six-month loan spell from Watford. The former Sunderland loanee hadn’t had a proven goalscoring record and some fans questioned the acquisition.
However, the striker scored four times in 16 appearances for the U’s, who picked up an impressive 27 points from their final 13 league games.
Luke Garbutt
Garbutt arrived at the Kassam Stadium on a season-long loan from Everton. The left-back started slowly and, like much of the squad, only improved after the new year.
This was partly down to the 26-year-old being moved forward into a left midfielder role. He netted three goals in Oxford’s final five games, and Karl Robinson admitted he was a key target this summer.
He told the Oxford Mail: “We’re still speaking to Garbs and his parent club,” before adding: “We’re still speaking to Jerome, so that’s where we’re at.”
Robinson also added: “Hally [Rob Hall] can play out wide or as a ten, Sykesy [Mark Sykes] can play there, we’ve got James Henry in there as well.
“We’ve also got Gavin [Whyte] on the right, so we probably need another one or two on the left.
“We would be looking for a left-footed player, ideally we’ll bring Garbs back.”
Summer Signings So Far
So far, Robinson has brought in youngsters Kevin Berkoe and Sam Allardyce, whilst Alex Gorrin is his only senior signing.
The U’s have also been linked with Motherwell midfielder Chris Cadden, Nottingham Forest midfielder Jorge Grant, and Charlton winger Tariqe Fosu, but no further news has developed on these three.
It’s likely that both Garbutt and Sinclair would arrive on loan deals. The former’s Everton contract also expires at the end of next season.
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