With the season over for Oxford United, the transfer rumours of incomings and potential departures have begun. Also this week the club released four players while loanees saw a return to their respective parent clubs.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfer Rumours and Released Players Announced
Oxford United Target St Mirren Midfielder
Oxford United are one of three clubs believed to be interested in St Mirren midfielder, Ethan Erhahon, according to the Scottish Daily Express.
The 20-year-old, who has come through the ranks with the Buddies, is also being targeted by League One rivals Portsmouth and Serie A side Sassuolo.
However, the club will be looking for a six-figure sum to lure the Scotland U21 away, with a £200,000 fee being reported.
The report suggests that all three clubs have been to watch Erhahon in recent weeks as he heads into the final year of his contract.
The midfielder, who has made 94 appearances for the club, scored once and provided two assists from 19 Scottish Premiership games this season.
Combative Midfielder Monitored by League One Rivals
Charlton Athletic and Burton Albion have targeted Oxford United midfielder Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, according to Football Insider.
The Spaniard is out of contract in the summer but the U’s are looking to tie him down on a new deal, despite being out of action with an ACL injury since November.
However, the report suggests that Gorrin is considering his options before committing his future to Oxford, with League One rivals monitoring the situation.
The 28-year-old, who has turned out 101 times for the club, managed 17 appearances this season before picking up his injury.
Loanees Return
Gavin Whyte, Nathan Holland, Herbie Kane and Ciaron Brown all played significant roles for Oxford United during their loan spells and have now returned to their parent clubs.
Speaking to the club’s official website, U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “It’s not always easy to go into a club and be part of things but all four of them very quickly bought into the way we do things and the work ethic that we demand.
“Gav and Nathan had been here before and that helped them settle in but Herbie and Ciaron were part of the group straight away and I want to thank all four of them for the way they played and the way they conducted themselves.
“They go back to their clubs now but I am sure the fans will also want to thank them for all they gave us through a long, tough season.”
Whyte, who joined the U’s in 2018 before joining Cardiff, said: “I want to say a massive thank you to the Manager, Coaching staff, players and the fans for letting me be part of the team again. It was a tough season but I enjoyed being part of it. It’s a very special club and I want to wish everyone all the very best.”
Brown, who also returns to Cardiff, added: “I was made to feel at home straight away and it was a pleasure to be part of the team and to play for the fans who were incredible.
“I loved the experience, enjoyed my football, and have lots of great memories from my time there.”
Kane returns to Barnsley after a season with the U’s and was another to enjoy his time with the club. He said: “I really enjoyed the season, but obviously not the way it all ended.
“That was gutting for all of us but I know the players will be determined to make up for that next year. I want to thank the Gaffer and all of the staff. It’s a great set up and they deserve success, as do the fans.”
Holland, who like Whyte has been at the club before, returns to West Ham United. He added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed both spells at the club.
“The first time was great but you can see the progress they are making all the time and how the club is set up for the future.
“Promotion was the aim and we fell just short of that but all of us involved will learn from the experience, painful as it was. It was an honour to wear the yellow shirt again and I want to thank everyone and wish the whole club the best for the future.”
Four Players Depart Oxford United
Oxford United have confirmed that four players will not be offered new deals and will leave the club in the summer.
Sam Winnall and Jamie Hanson are senior players that will be in search of new clubs while youngsters Leon Chambers-Parillon and Michael Elechi have also been released.
U’s boss Karl Robinson, who will continue discussions with other players, said: “We have been upfront with the four players and I want to thank them all for the way they have represented the club during their time.
“Jamie has had a terrible run of injuries and we hope a fresh start is what he needs to get him going again. Sam is another who has struggled to get a run of games but he is someone I have so much time for.
“I have actually learned a lot from working with him; he knows the game inside out and it’s just a shame we couldn’t make things work for him here.
“Leon and Michael are both good people who we wish well. I hope they go on and have long and successful careers and they have had a good grounding here which we hope helps them in the future.
“I’ve had meetings with all of the other players and hopefully we have positive news from those meetings soon, and that goes hand in hand with strengthening the squad and making sure we are in a really good place when we come back for pre-season.”
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