It’s been another busy week for Oxford United. Transfer talk has begun while the U’s picked up another point on the road at Sunderland.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfer Talk and Draw at Sunderland
U’s Linked With Ipswich Town Striker
According to Football League World, Oxford have been linked with a move for out of favour Ipswich Town forward, James Norwood.
The 31-year-old had fallen out of favour under Paul Cook and has been training with the U23 side. Now, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth and Lincoln City are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
However, following their draw against Barrow in the FA Cup, Cook has been relieved of his duties so Norwood could yet force his way back into contention at Portman Road
Oxford United Hoping to Keep Hold of Kane
U’s manager Karl Robinson is confident that the club will keep hold of Barnsley midfielder Herbie Kane beyond January.
The 23-year-old joined the U’s on a season-long loan in the summer and, despite an inconsistent start, has begun to show his class for the club.
And it is due to that class that concerns about him being recalled by the Tykes has become a possibility, although Robinson insists that won’t happen.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “He’s a top player, it’s a necessity Herbie Kane stays here. I can’t speak too much of him.
“I don’t foresee why he won’t be here. We’ve had a meeting and everything seems positive.
“They (Barnsley) have got to do what they’ve got to do, but we’re very confident that he’ll be here moving forward from January.”
Robinson Addresses Transfer Rumours
With Norwood and Marcus Browne linked with a move to Oxford in recent weeks, the Oxford head coach has played down links with the named individuals but admitted “that is the calibre” of players the U’s need to sign in January.
Browne, who has enjoyed two successful spells with Oxford, and Norwood are both out of favour with their parent clubs but would be top additions for the U’s.
However, Robinson wouldn’t comment on any players specifically but admitted that some of his squad would need to leave during the transfer window.
He added: “We’ll obviously lose some players internally to make way, I don’t think we can carry any more players on top of the squad we already have.
“I think it’s unfair if we bring players in and keep the amount of players that we already have here because they have to play as well.
“There’ll be a transition of ins and outs, it’s important that there’ll only be an in if that in makes the team stronger, and that is our objective.”
Young U’s Goalkeeper Joins The Saints
Oxford goalkeeper Mackenzie Chapman has joined Southern League Premier Division Central side, St Ives Town, on a one month loan.
The 19-year-old, who joined the U’s in the summer, was recalled from his loan spell at Banbury United just last week with the club in a goalkeeping crisis, but he failed to feature as Oxford took four points from their two league games.
Now, he will look to secure more game time in the lower leagues with his first match taking place against the Puritans.
Point Gained Against Promotion Rivals
On Saturday, Oxford United extended their unbeaten run in League One to seven matches with a 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
The hosts took an early lead through Union Berlin loanee, Leon Dajaku, but Oxford levelled before the break with Matty Taylor netting his ninth goal of the season.
Despite a positive first half, the U’s found themselves on be ropes after the restart and could feel fortunate to have left the Stadium of Light with a point, particularly after the Black Cats struck the woodwork twice.
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