Oxford United have ended this week with their first win of the new year. Elsewhere, the U’s have been linked with a former England striker but could lose a first-team defender with his parent club looking to recall him from a loan spell.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfer Rumours and First Win of 2022
U’s Beat Cheltenham in Behind Closed Doors Friendly Match
On Tuesday, Oxford United eased past Cheltenham Town in a behind closed doors friendly match at the club’s training ground.
A Billy Bodin brace and further strikes from youngsters Adam Smith and Gatlin O’Donkor put the U’s in control while former Oxford defender Charlie Raglan netted a consolation for the visitors.
Jack Stevens, Anthony Forde, Bodin and Dan Agyei all played the full 90 minutes while there was significant game time for Luke McNally, Jamie Hanson and Sam Winnall.
Club Hits First Hurdle on Proposed Land
Oxford’s proposal for a site for their new stadium was dealt an early blow with councillors agreeing to defer a decision.
Now, the cabinet have decided to launch a four-week consultation to process the proposal which was made by the club in recent weeks. A decision will be made at their next meeting on March 15.
Oxford United Linked With Jermain Defoe
On Wednesday, Oxford emerged as a potential destination for former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Jermain Defoe.
However, Jason Burt of the Telegraph claimed that Ipswich Town, along with former clubs Charlton Athletic and Sunderland, were also interested in the 39-year-old.
The striker is a free agent after leaving Rangers earlier this month but wants to see out the rest of the season before moving into coaching.
Oxford United have held talks to sign Jermain Defoe. One of a number of clubs after him. More on @TeleFootball
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) January 19, 2022
Thorniley Set for Blackpool Recall
Oxford United defender Jordan Thorniley is set to be recalled from his loan spell by parent club Blackpool, according to LancsLive.
The 25-year-old joined the U’s on a season-long loan in the summer but with Oxford not budging on a sale of Cameron Brannagan to Bloomfield Road, the Seasiders plan to recall the defender.
Oxford United Record First Win of 2022
Oxford secured their first win of the new year with a hard-fought victory over promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
The U’s fell behind twice in the game but Matty Taylor levelled on both occasions, taking his tally to 50 goals for the club. Oxford netted a late winner when former Wednesday striker Winnall got on the end of a Bodin corner to send the home fans into raptures.
The result moves the U’s back into the playoffs ahead of a trip to bottom club Gillingham next time out.
U’s Linked With Morecambe Forward
Having already been linked with a move for Defoe during the week, Oxford have also been identified as a possible destination for Morecambe striker, Cole Stockton.
However, Football Insider claim that Preston North End, Barnsley and Rotherham United are also eyeing the 27-year-old after he netted his 20th goal of the season at the weekend.
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