Oxford United‘s hopes of retaining Josh Ruffels have hit a new low with the defender set to complete a transfer to Huddersfield Town according to reports..
Transfer Update Emerges as Josh Ruffels Nears Oxford United Exit
Defender Close to Completing Move to Championship Outfit
The 27-year-old defender has been a mainstay in Oxford United’s squad this past season, starting all but four of the U’s League One matches.
Several of his six goals have been headers, but he has also provided five assists and made more interceptions than any other full-back in the third tier.
The former Coventry City youngster has impressed consistently since joining the U’s in July 2013 and he has made the left-back spot his own in recent years.
His regular performances at left-back have resulted in several clubs taking an interest.
But the League One side are set to lose the 27-year-old to Huddersfield Town on a free transfer according to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas.
With Ruffels’ contract coming to an end later this summer and as discussions over a new deal continue to be stalled, the Terriers look set to snap up the talented full-back.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail on May 27, manager Karl Robinson said: “From our point of view, we know where we’re at.
“We know what’s going on and we’ll be speaking over the weekend. We requested a resolution and Josh deep down is an Oxford fan.
“We’ve had some good conversations, but we also respect the situation.”
The arrival of Ruffels will boost the options available to coach Carlos Corberan. Harry Toffolo is the only left-back currently under contract for the season ahead with Jaden Brown set for release at the end of June.
Nottingham Forest have also been interested in the defender with a similar selection issue for Chris Hughton at the City Ground. Tyler Blackett is the only credible option at left-back after Yuri Ribeiro was released.
Gaetan Bong and Carl Jenkinson have both reportedly been made available for transfer and Nicholas Ioannou, who has been away from Forest on loan for most of the season, has an uncertain future in Nottinghamshire.
Main Photo
